Increased blood usage creates urgent need

  • Increased blood usage creates urgent need
    Increased blood usage creates urgent need

Hospital blood usage has surged nearly 10 percent over previous levels, as our community moves into COVID recovery mode. Blood donors are needed immediately to respond.

Castro County will be stepping up to help meet the need with two blood drives set for May. The Dimmitt blood drive will be on May 11 at the Gathering Place. Nazareth will hold its community blood drive on May 25.

March was the highest distribution of certain blood products due to recent local traumas.

The dramatic increase in hospital usage comes at a time when local patients return to the medical system for planned and routine medical care that they had been putting off due to COVID. Trauma-related blood needs have also increased dramatically, as people return to vigorous spring activities and travel.

“We’re thankful that COVID has receded enough for people to create a new normal and get caught up on deferred medical care,” said Dr. John Armitage, President and CEO of Coffee Memorial Blood Center. “But the impact of this return to normalcy has stressed our blood supply in yet another way. The COVID pandemic continues to surprise and challenge us.”

The local blood supply typically operates at a three-day supply, but the surge in demand has lowered levels to a one-day supply. Recent vaccination efforts have also challenged giving levels, as some donors mistakenly believe they can’t donate after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine.

While COVID-19 vaccines aren’t required to donate, those who have been vaccinated can donate immediately, if they’re feeling well.

Blood donation takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. About 125 donors are generally needed each day to ensure a healthy blood supply.

Donors can make appointments to donate at yourbloodinstitute.org or walk-in to any mobile blood drive or to the donor center located at 7500 Wallace, to give.

Coffee Memorial is part of the 6th-largest independent blood center in the nation. It is the exclusive provider of blood and blood products to the 31 counties and 29 medical facilities that make up the High Plains Region. For more information, visit www.thegiftoflife.org.