Concern over the local blood supply has The Blood Center (TBC) strongly urging all area citizens to donate blood during the summer.
TBC needs to build up the blood supply in the area to prepare for an active storm season. Hours at all donation locations have been extended through September to allow donors to fit saving lives into their busy schedules.
Billy Weales, president and CEO of The Blood Center, says local citizens across the region need to donate now as a form of emergency preparedness. He says power outages, flooding, and other adverse events experienced during hurricanes will severely limit their ability to collect much-needed blood.
Despite approximately 60% of the population being eligible to donate blood, less than 5% do so. TBC must collect between 200 and 250 pints of blood daily to maintain a robust supply and meet community demands.
Governed by a volunteer board of directors, The Blood Center is a nonprofit organization that supplies blood and blood components to over 50 area hospitals and outpatient facilities across South Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. With 12 strategically positioned donor centers across the Gulf South, TBC is vital in sustaining a stable and healthy community blood supply.
For more details on donating blood or to find a nearby donation center, please call (800) 86-BLOOD or visit www.TheBloodCenter.org. Stay connected with The Blood Center on social media at @TheBloodCenter.
