Blood Banks in the area are reminding the public that during the summer, hospitals have an increased need for blood, but also see a dip in donations during the season.
Kyla Harris, District Community Development Coordinator for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers explained why the need for blood spikes each summer.
“There's a lot of people out traveling on the roadways, and there's an increase in traffic accidents, " she said. “The hospitals need blood every single day. But again, during the summer, we have a lot of people traveling and we're unable to supply our hospitals. So that's kind of what we're seeing. And it's a trend each year. It's kind of like the same thing with around holidays as well.”
However, LifeSouth, who mainly supplies blood to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, is not the only local blood bank seeing a shortage in donations. Jerrica Williams, Regional Communications Manager for The American Red Cross of Georgia said the organization is also in need of more supply.
“I'm sure that you all know that every two seconds, someone in the United States does need blood, and that a single blood donation can help save more than one life,” Williams said. “But typically, blood and platelet donations decrease over the summer. And this summer, of course, has been no exception. So, people can help us recover from this concerning shortfall by signing up to donate blood.”
The ARC distributes roughly 40% of the nation's blood supply. Willimas said in order to meet these demands, the organization must collect at least 12,000 blood donations and nearly 3000 platelet donations each day nationwide. Around 62% of the population is eligible to donate blood, but only 3% of people donate regularly, highlighting the constant need for donors.
Harris said LifeSouth is combating the shortage with a few incentives to attract donors. Until August 31, the organization is offering to give all donors a $20 e-gift card when they contribute to the organization. Additionally, platelets or double red cell donors will receive another $20 e-gift card for their contributions. All donors also receive a mini physical, including a blood pressure, temperature, iron level and cholesterol screen.
LifeSouth has six centers in North Georgia. The organization will also be hosting frequent blood drives using their Blood Mobiles to bring in donors from all areas. To find a center or blood drive near you, click here.
“ You have to be at least 17 years of age or older, but you can be 16 years old with a parental consent form to donate,” Harris said. “And then we require our donors to weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and to be in general good health. We encourage everyone to attempt to donate and then our technicians on site will tell you more about your eligibility.”
Donors also must present a photo ID during their appointment.
The American Red Cross also hosts frequent blood drives and has availability to make an appointment to donate blood at one of their centers for those who are interested. Williams said those who wish to donate to the organization can sign up by calling 1- 800-RED--CROSS or visiting Red Cross Blood.org or by downloading the Red Cross blood donor app.
Both Harris and Williams highlighted that all blood types are appreciated, but there is a higher need for O- negative and O-positive types, as 37% of the population shares the O-positive type, and the rarer O-negative type can be transferred to all blood types.
“You have to remember that it's the need– it's not the needle,” Harris said. “... We really just encourage anyone to come out and donate and just try it. You know, it feels really good to save lives.”
