Red Cross blood shortage isn’t affecting Boone Health
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The American Red Cross is facing its second-ever national blood shortage, according to a press release from the organization. Although some hospitals might be feeling the effects of the shortage, Boone Health in Columbia is not.
“Boone Health has a different supplier for blood products, it’s a regional supplier,” spokesperson Christian Basi said. “They informed us just earlier this week that they have a full supply of all the necessary blood products.”
Basi said the hospital has a “healthy” three-day supply of all blood types and is not affected by the shortage.
ABC 17 News has reached out to MU Health Care about how it affects their operations, but hasn’t heard back yet.
In a press release, American Red Cross Missouri-Arkansas spokesperson Jay Scherder said all blood types are needed, but type O is desperately needed, and supplies have dropped to a one-day supply.
Type O-negative can be given to anyone and is commonly used during emergencies when doctors or health care professionals aren’t sure what the patient’s blood type is, according to the Red Cross. Type O-positive isn’t universal, but people with positive blood types–like A-positive, B-positive, O-positive or AB-positive–can receive it.
Scherder said the American Red Cross is limiting the distribution of all type O to some hospitals.
Even though Boone Health isn’t affected by the shortage, Basi said it’s important people donate blood when they can.
“We still need folks to get out there and donate blood. It is critical. The community comes together to save lives, and they do that when they give blood,” Basi said.
People who are interested in donating blood can visit the American Red Cross website to schedule an appointment.
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