The Central Coast non-profit Vitalant has declared a critical shortage of blood after a busy holiday season.
Officials with the blood bank say there less than a two days' supply of necessary blood types.
Donors are strongly encouraged to give blood as soon as possible.
“We strive to maintain a 4-day supply of blood just to provide what patients need, and currently we’re at less than half that for certain blood types,” said Dr. Ralph Vassallo, Chief Medical Officer at Vitalant. “Blood on the shelf helps patients every day—for traumas, cancer treatments and critical transfusions—and enables us to be ready if disaster strikes.”
All blood types are in short supply, but there's a special need for type O blood donations. Type O-negative is the universal blood type that can help all patients.
Vitalant says on the Central Coast, they need to collect 1,225 blood products per week to meet patient needs.
If you want to donate blood call 877-258-4825 or visit vitalant.org.
