Critical Blood Inventory Levels Prompt Area Physicians to Address the Public

Critical Blood Inventory Levels Prompt Area Physicians to Address the Public

Blood supplies continue shrinking as Health Professionals throughout South Louisiana meet today urging community support. Increased elective surgeries, fewer large blood drives, and locations able to host large drives all factor into the shortage. All blood types are needed as hospitals begin putting limits on usage.

According to America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross, centers nationwide have reported declines in blood collections in recent weeks. Some have reported their lowest donor turnout in more than a year. These trends are concerning, as both patients and blood centers depend on the altruism of donors to ensure that blood is available for life-saving treatments. Select centers are screening for COVID-19 antibodies of all blood donations. Results are available within 3-5 days after donation.

Due to COVID concerns:
• Blood centers across the country are taking extra measures to ensure both donors and staff are safe and healthy, including social distancing measures and increased infection control procedures.
• Eat a good meal before donating and you're encouraged to schedule your donation in advance.
• Donors need to wear a mask, be in good health, a 110 lbs. and 17 years of age (16 with a parent’s consent)

Speakers Include:
• Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Director, New Orleans Health Department and ER Physician University Medical Center
• Dr. Corey Hebert, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine
• Dr. Shaun Lawicki, Medical Director of Transfusion and Apheresis Services/Blood Bank, Director of Coagulation Lab, UMCNO, Assistant Professor of Pathology, LSUHSC
• Dr. Tim Peterson, Medical Director of The Blood Center and Medical Director-Blood Bank- Tulane Health System
• Dr. Matthew Stark, MD, Director of Transfusion Services, Children’s Hospital

Watch the full press conference on WDSU's website here

Contact Paul Adams, Public Relations Manager at 504-319-7499 or padams@thebloodcenter.org