Blood supply in Indiana has reached a critically low level, and Versiti Blood Center of Indiana is issuing an emergency appeal for donations.
Less than a day’s worth of blood is on hand for Versiti to provide to its more than 80 hospitals across the state, said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical officer at Versiti. Ideally, the nonprofit tries to keep a three-day supply of blood available to its partner hospitals.
The shortage is one that suppliers all over the country are facing, Waxman said.
“The current blood supply in the U.S. is critically low and most of the country’s blood centers are reporting a significant decline in blood collection,” he said in a statement.
The coronavirus has directly contributed to the shortage. Schools and businesses are typically Versiti’s largest source of blood donations this time of year. Because of remote work and virtual schooling, many of those drives have been canceled.
Compared to an average year, donations with Versiti are down more than 50% — or nearly 20,000 units of blood — from those key contributors.
O-negative and O-positive blood donors are most needed now. O-negative and O-positive blood is the universal blood type, meaning donations can be transfused to all patients, including trauma victims, cancer patients and those undergoing surgery.
People are encouraged to donate at one of the Versiti Blood Center locations, including the Greenwood office, 8739 U.S. 31 South. Appointments are encouraged at donor centers or at any local community blood drive. Walk-ins are always welcome. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call (317) 916-5150 or visit Versiti online at versiti.org/Indiana.
Indiana residents can also make an appointment to donate at a local community blood drive in their area. Times, dates and locations of upcoming local drives can be found online donate.indiana.versiti.org. Interested donors should click the “Schedule to Donate” tab to find the nearest drive to them.
To help ensure donor safety, everyone entering Versiti facilities must wear a mask and have their temperature taken. All Versiti donation locations are practicing social distancing and closely adhering to FDA and CDC cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
Donating blood takes about an hour. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to donate blood. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birthdate.
