The Community Blood Center has declared a blood emergency as supplies are short during the current high-demand season.
“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,” according to a news release from Kansas City-based CBC.
“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,” the release continued.
The Kansas City region optimally keeps a supply of five to seven days worth of blood but currently only has a two-day supply for types O- and B-, according to the release. Platelet donors are also needed.
Those who are interested can find eligibility guidelines and schedule a donation at savealifenow.org.
Several drives are coming up in the Lawrence and Douglas County area, but there are no donor centers listed on the CBC’s website that are based in Douglas County. Learn more or look for a drive near you at this link.
The American Red Cross also has blood drives coming up in Lawrence. Find more information at this link.
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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
