APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The Community Blood Center is urging eligible donors to schedule a lifesaving donation as soon as possible after nearly a month of critical need for multiple blood types.
Type O negative and positive blood supplies remain critically low as trauma patients continue to rely on those types, including a new mother experiencing childbirth complications and a patient injured in an ATV crash.
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In addition, Type A negative has been in critical shortage for more than a week following multiple emergencies at hospitals in Appleton, Green Bay, and Iron Mountain. Now, Type A positive is also in critical need after a Massive Transfusion Protocol was activated during an emergency Friday.
While blood shortages are not uncommon, officials say this current Code Red situation is unique in both its duration and the number of blood types impacted at once.
The upcoming Labor Day holiday adds to the urgency. Blood donations often decrease over holiday weekends as people travel or spend time with family, while the demand can increase due to higher travel and activity. Donating ahead of the holiday helps guarantee hospitals have blood readily available.
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“Even everyday accidents can lead to an unexpected blood transfusion. Recently, a serious fall led to internal injuries and an emergency trip to the hospital that required nearly 90 units of blood,” said John Hagins, president and CEO of The Community Blood Center. “Schedule a donation as soon as possible to ensure local hospitals have all blood types available for everyday treatments and unexpected emergencies. Whether you’re a regular donor or considering starting your lifesaving journey, now is the time to make an impact.”
While Types A and O are in critical need, all blood types are essential. Every donation strengthens the supply for patients in need of routine surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth care, and life-threatening emergencies.
