Blood donors are being urged to help raise the inventory levels before blood supplies run dry.
American Red Cross Blood Services in the Greater Alleghenies Region warned this week that blood supplies have dropped to 1/2 to 1 1/2 day levels, dangerous numbers that if not increased could have a direct impact on surgeries and transfusion-related treatments.
The shortage affects all four blood types. A blood inventory taken by the Red Cross June 3 lists types O and B, both positive and negative, as the most critical.
"During May, our region achieved only 86 percent of its scheduled blood collection goal," said Tim Miller, senior director of Donor Services for the Greater Alleghenies Region. "Over the past few months, blood supplies have slipped from a week's inventory to just 1/2 to 1 1/2 day supplies, impacting all blood types. This is unacceptable to the Red Cross, hospitals and the patients we serve."
The Alleghenies Region serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county areas including Pennsylvania.
In light of the low inventory, Miller said the Red Cross is not prepared to meet all patient needs, and that postponement or cancellation of surgeries and blood-related treatments are likely if the levels do not increase.
According to Miller, February was the only month in which the region met its collection goal.
He said blood product distributions to hospitals this year through mid-May increased 1.3 percent over the same period in 2001, while collections during that time declined 3.3 percent when compared to a year ago.
Courtney Gibbons, blood and emergency services coordinator at the Mon Valley unit, said local shortages parallel those of the region.
"We're pretty consistent with the what's going on in the region," said Gibbons. "Of the 11 local blood drives held in May only two reached their goal."
Gibbons said the remaining nine campaigns were 15 to 30 percent under goal.
She said six blood drives are scheduled for June, which is about normal for this month.
The Mon Valley unit has scheduled a blood drive 1 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Finleyville Fire Hall.
"Blood drives are scheduled about a month in advance, so we try to promote those that are already on the schedule, and to encourage people to go to blood centers that are open," said Shelly Martin, unit manager in the Mon Valley. "We're also putting up posters" to advertise the need for blood donors.
The Red Cross says individuals at least 17 years of age who weigh at least 105 pounds and are in generally good health can donate. Persons with eligibility questions can call the Red Cross at 1-800-542-5663.
