Seasonal travel, school breaks, and a rise in traumatic accidents during the summer months contribute to emergency shortage of blood
Urgent need for type O+ and O- donations
CONNECTICUT – Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC)is declaring our first blood emergency of 2024 due to a significant drop in blood donations. In the past several weeks, donations have been hundreds short of what is needed to meet hospital demand, placing a strain on the region’s blood supply during the critical summer months. In addition, CTBC is issuing an urgent call for type O+ and O- blood donations. This dangerous shortage is impacting local hospitals and part of a disturbing national trend, with type O shortages reported across the U.S. The current inventory of type O blood is the lowest it’s been since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Type O+ is the most common blood type, representing nearly 40% of the U.S. population. Type O- is the universal blood type and is commonly used in emergency settings. A shortage of both types, both locally and nationally, poses serious concerns for our healthcare system, and the need for donors is critical.
The weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are often referred to as ‘trauma season’ due to a spike in traumatic accidents during the warmer months. About 25% of trauma patients require blood transfusions, so an increase in traumas can strain an already limited blood supply. Additionally, school breaks, travel, and busy summer schedules make blood donation less of a priority and often lead to seasonal shortages.
“Blood collections fall precipitously in the summer months – the need for urgent transfusion spikes as we hit the highways and enjoy outdoor activities,” said Bradford Sherbourne, Medical Director, Hartford Hospital Laboratories. “There is NO substitute for blood. It cannot be manufactured. It all comes from virtuous individuals who make the time to roll up their sleeves and donate this precious gift. We must allocate it to those most in need, even when there is not enough to go around. I encourage everyone to take the time to share something that only ‘you’ can give. There is nothing more empowering than knowing you are saving lives by donating blood.”
“The Connecticut Blood Center has declared a blood emergency, and they are asking for our help,” said State Sen. Matt Lesser. “Donating blood takes just a few minutes and one donation can save a life. Please consider donating blood today to prevent a blood emergency which could negatively impact our community.”
The region currently only has a 2-3-day blood supply of types O-, O+, and B-, well below the optimal level of 5-7 days. All other blood types are also in short supply. In addition to the rise in traumas, blood is needed daily for routine patient care. Cancer patients, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, those suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more rely on blood donors every day in order to receive treatment.
“While the summer months bring warm weather and joyful gatherings of family and friends, each year our hospitals receive an influx of trauma patients that need our help and require blood transfusions for treatment,” said Jonathan DeCasanova, Account Manager and Community Relations for Connecticut Blood Center. “As we navigate these challenging months, we call on our community to give back by making blood donation a regular part of their summer activities.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days and eligible individuals are encouraged to donate at least once per season to help maintain a stable blood supply. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit ctblood.org or call 800.283.8385.