Little Rock, Arkansas – To fight the battle of a blood shortage, our Little Rock Blood Institute is requesting donations from the local community.
Officials cited a number of reasons for the scarcity of blood, including recent disease outbreaks, weather-related cancellations, and donors ceasing to donate regularly.
The flu season in the United States is the most severe in 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while Arkansas health officials observed high flu activity in the state.
Blood centers around the country are having difficulties, according to officials, as a result of other facilities sharing supplies and rerouting their reserves to help.
Our Blood Institute’s president and CEO, Dr. John Armitage, stated, “The situation is dire.” It’s similar to finding out your pantry is empty right before you have to make a supper, only the stores are closed and the shelves are empty. Before things get any worse than missing lunch or dinner, we need to take immediate action to restock the supply.
According to OBI officials, blood donations are crucial for those with life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer patients, burn survivors, expectant moms, and others.
Blood can be donated by anyone who is healthy and at least 16 years old. Up to three lives can be saved by a single donation, which typically takes an hour.
You can schedule an appointment online at OBI.org or by calling 877-340-8777. There are walk-ins available.
