BLOOD SHORTAGE - Most of us probably never think of things like adequate blood supply for area hospitals. But on average 4.5 million Americans will need a blood transfusion each year. That’s why blood centers are a vital part in the healthcare chain as they seek blood donors, hold blood-drives, they collect, screen and distribute blood to area hospitals. But this time of year, Blood Centers experience a critical shortage.
Diana Smathers, Regional Account Manager for LifeShare Blood Center explains "Well there's two factors, one is there's a lot more activity in summer so
a lot more accidents or different things that happen for the need for blood goes higher. The second part of that is a large part oportion of our donation population comes from those folks in high school. High schoolers are 16, 17 years old, we collect from the schools all year long. And during the summertime, they're out!"
And although medical researchers are trying to find ways to make artificial human blood, there is still no substitute.
Smathers says "Blood is one of the things that can't be manufactured. In order to get a blood transfusion or receive blood in any way, you have to have it from a donor."
Next time you drive by a hospital, think about this: one out of seven people who are admitted to a hospital will need blood…some may use more blood depending on their medical need. That’s why it’s critical for people to donate blood. In addition to student blood-drives, LifeShare Blood Centers depend on donor volunteers and corporate blood drives. If you or your company would be interested in helping out, Contact LifeShare Blood Center their website is LifeShare.org or call (800) 256-5433
