A critical blood shortage that could potentially cause elective surgeries to be cancelled nationwide has now reached northeast Wisconsin, and The Community Blood Center hospitals, is also reporting a critical need.
The Community Blood Center is the provider of blood and blood products to nearly twenty area hospitals. Vice President of Donor Services for CBC, Kristine Belanger,says that the effects of this shortage have especially been felt in the last two weeks. ...
"....Summer is always difficult for a number of reasons. But this year, in particular, the way the 4th of July landed. Great for getting out and enjoying the summer, but it was very difficult on blood collection agencies across the country. We saw 50 percent of our inventory go down from the 1st of July...."
Belanger says there is no substitute for donated blood...
"....For patients who need a blood transfusion. People who have trauma or have surgery or some sort of chronic condition, they're relying on that voluntarily-donated unit of blood when they need it. It's important every day of the year, but particularly in the summer....."
The Community Blood Center is hosting it's annual MASH blood drive Wednesday, July 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year's collection will be at the National Guard Armory on Military Road. The Center is offering a free T-shirt and lunch to blood donors.
All donors also have a chance to win gift certificates to the American Club at the Kohler Resort.
