Vicki Finson, executive vice president of blood services at Bloodworks, told The Daily News: “Blood is being shipped to hospitals faster than it’s being collected. We’re actively communicating with hospitals to conserve blood and appealing to donors to book appointments so that doctors don’t need to make difficult decisions like canceling surgeries or postponing treatments based on the blood supply.”
A combination of warm weather and confusion about donating blood after getting a COVID-19 vaccine has contributed to an increase in people cancelling appointments, Bloodworks told The Daily News. Juan Cotto, Bloodworks’ government affairs and community engagement strategist, said there’s no waiting period to donate after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
The blood center that supplies many Eastern Iowa hospitals is also facing critical supply strains, The Gazette reported. It reported a single-day supply of O-negative red cells, which is the first blood type used by hospitals for traumas and emergency medical care.
Of the 59 community blood centers in the U.S., 19 had a one-day supply or less as of April 29, according to The Gazette. Fourteen more have a two-day supply.
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