The Tower Health network of regional hospitals on Monday reported lower than normal blood inventory, part of a national trend of critical shortages at blood centers.
Officials at Tower Health urged community members to donate at local blood banks to ensure all local hospitals have adequate supply.
Individuals interested in donating can schedule appointments at Miller-Keystone Blood Center or the American Red Cross.
“In times of great need patients at our hospitals know they can depend on our team and the community for help as they heal,” Tower Health President and CEO P. Sue Perrotty said in the organization’s announcement. “I encourage all eligible individuals to consider donating to their local blood bank so that, together, we can ensure the ongoing health and safety of our friends, family, and neighbors. One generous donor has the potential to save up to three lives.”
Tower Health reported transfusing 2,128 lifesaving blood products between Oct. 1 and Nov. 18. Cancer patients may need one to two units of blood per week, sickle cell anemia patients could receive six or more units per month, and trauma patients may need 12 to 60 units. The health system also supports babies in neonatal intensive care units who require transfusions of O negative red blood cells whose donors must meet special criteria.
Reading Hospital and Miller-Keystone Blood Center coordinated an emergency blood drive on Nov. 22.
“Our hospital team members registered for all 43 appointments in less than three hours,” said Therese Sucher, Tower Health chief operating officer and interim president and CEO at Reading Hospital. “We appreciate the ongoing partnership with Miller-Keystone and the opportunity to host another donation event to address the ongoing shortages.”
Rami Nemeh, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Miller-Keystone Blood Center added, “With the holiday season upon us and Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30, there’s never been a better time than now to give the gift of life through blood donations. Cancer patients, accident victims, and premature babies are in dire need for your help as our community blood inventory is at critical levels. Our blood inventory is only at 35% of the ideal level; 450 donors are needed every day to support the needs of our hospitals, please make your appointment today and become a hero.”
To be eligible to donate blood you must be 16 years of age or older and weigh at least 110 pounds. Individuals are eligible to donate whole blood every 56 days.
Source: Berkshire mont
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