San Diego needs blood badly.
The American Red Cross Blood Services reports that San Diego is experiencing its worst blood shortage since 2000, which may cause local hospitals to postpone elective surgeries in order to meet emergency blood supply minimums.
“We’re encouraging all Southern Californians to make an appointment to donate blood as soon as possible.” said Stephen Whitburn, Red Cross spokesman.
The San Diego Blood Bank has cited critical shortages in seven of the eight blood type categories.
In order for the city to be prepared for an emergency, there must be a five to seven day supply of blood. Currently, reported levels are at 3 days or less, with a zero-day supply of O-positive blood type.
Such a shortage could have a drastic effect on the city’s emergency response capability in situations where blood transfusions are essential to saving lives.
Whitburn said there are a number of factors that contribute to this growing shortage, namely a drop in the number of donations from college students during the summer months. The demographic usually contributes about 20 percent of the donations, she continued.
To combat the deficiency, potential donors can go to any one of the five donor centers in the county: San Diego Blood Bank, 440 Upas St., downtown; East County Donor Center, 680 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon; North County Donor Center, 1340 West Valley Parkway, Escondido; North Coastal Donor Center, 161 Thunder Drive, Vista; or at the South Bay Donor Center, 1717 Sweetwater Road, Suite G, National City.
To make an appointment call (800) GIVELIFE or go to www.givelife.org.
For more information on donor sites, donor qualifications and up coming blood drives, visit www.sandiegobloodbank.org.