April 12, 2021 (AMARILLO) – Hospital blood usage has surged nearly 10% over previous levels, as our community moves into COVID recovery mode. Blood donors are needed immediately to respond.
March was the highest distribution of certain blood products due to recent local traumas.
The dramatic increase in hospital usage comes at a time when local patients return to the medical system for planned and routine medical care that they had been putting off due to COVID. Trauma-related blood needs have also increased dramatically, as people return to vigorous spring activities and travel.
“We’re thankful that COVID has receded enough for people to create a new normal and get caught up on deferred medical care,” said Dr. John Armitage, President and CEO of Coffee Memorial Blood Center. “But, the impact of this return to normalcy has stressed our blood supply in yet another way. The COVID pandemic continues to surprise and challenge us.”
The local blood supply typically operates at a three-day supply, but the surge in demand has lowered levels to a one-day supply. Recent vaccination efforts have also challenged giving levels, as some donors mistakenly believe they can’t donate after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine.
While COVID-19 vaccines aren’t required to donate, those who have been vaccinated can donate immediately, if they’re feeling well.
Blood donation takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. About 125 donors are generally needed each day to ensure a healthy blood supply.
Donors can make appointments to donate at yourbloodinstitute.org or walk-in to any mobile blood drive or to our donor center located at 7500 Wallace, to give.
Opportunities to donate blood:
• Panhandle High School Community Blood Drive: April 19, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Borger- Johnson Park Youth Center, April 22 from 12 to 7 p.m.
• White Deer Volunteer Fire
Department: April 26, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Clarendon College Pampa Campus: May 6, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Coffee Memorial is part of the 6th-largest independent blood center in the nation. We are the exclusive provider of blood and blood products to the 31 counties and 29 medical facilities that make up the High Plains Region. For more information, visit www.thegiftoflife.org.
