The Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin has issued an urgent request for blood donations due to a dangerously low supply. This appeal follows a similar warning from the Red Cross about a national blood shortage.
“There’s less than a day’s supply of certain blood types, putting local patients’ lives at risk,” said a press release on Monday.
Versiti is the main blood supplier for over 56 hospitals in Wisconsin.
The blood types most in demand are O-positive (O+) and O-negative (O-), but all types are needed. O-positive is the most common, while O-negative is crucial in emergencies because it can be given to anyone.
The shortage is severe, according to Dan Waxman, senior medical director at Versiti. It’s caused by two main factors: more missed appointments and cancellations, and a higher demand for blood from hospitals in June. Over 3,500 donation appointments were missed in June, which is the number Versiti needs to keep a safe blood supply for hospitals.
When blood supplies are low, trauma victims, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and even mothers in labor are at high risk for treatment delays or complications.
To donate blood, you must be at least 16 years old, in good health, and meet certain height and weight requirements. If you’re 16, you’ll need parental consent. Other restrictions apply if you’ve recently traveled to a malaria-affected area, have a fresh tattoo or piercing, or are currently on antibiotics.
Walk-ins are welcome at any Versiti donor center. To make an appointment, you can call 1-877-BE-A-HERO or book a time online.