ARKANSAS, USA — Our Blood Institute (OBI) in Fort Smith has declared a blood shortage emergency after a snowstorm stalled donations to "critically low levels."
"OBI has been sending more blood to hospitals than it is bringing in from donors. If this continues, it could impact cancer treatments and surgeries," among other things, OBI executive director Danny Cervantes said.
"Since the start of the year, blood donations have lagged significantly and few people are donating," OBI's CEO Dr. John Armitage said. "We urgently ask the public to step up and help secure their community."
Taylor Barnes was at the blood donation center on Wednesday morning, Jan. 17, despite the weather impacting travel.
"I had an 8:30 appointment this morning. I canceled it and rescheduled to 11:10, so I get a little bit warmer weather," Barnes said.
Barnes explained that he donates bi-weekly and has been doing so for years. While he continued to donate, many kept off the roads creating a shortage at OBI.
"We've been seeing anywhere from about 30 to 40% less donors than we've expected probably over the last month," Cervantes said. "We have about a one-day supply of blood, we usually like to carry about a five-day supply. So, currently, we're seeing low, low supply at this point."
Cervantes estimated that OBI gets 35% of their supply from their center and 65% from blood drives in the community. Cervantes explained that many blood drives were canceled because of the weather.
"If we don't see donors come in over the next week, that may be an issue," he said. "We may have to look outside the area to look for other blood products from other centers, which right now they're in the same predicament too."
OBI's Fort Smith location is currently accepting appointments and walk-ins.
You can also look at OBI's calendar for more information.
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