Area blood banks struggle to keep up during holiday season

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Posted: Thursday, January 3, 2008 10:14 AM CST

Blood donations can be given at 164 St. Charles in San Andreas. Enterprise file photo

Delta Blood Bank is making a critical appeal to communities for O-negative and A-negative blood donations this holiday season.

The low inventory of these blood types has been attributed to a decline in regular blood donations since Thanksgiving. Blood banks typically see a decline in donations during this season, as well as during the summer months, as lives become busier with holiday planning, family activities and travel.

“It is especially important to donate blood during this time of year,” said Ann Stevenson, marketing manager for Delta Blood Bank. With fewer people donating and more away for the holidays, Stevenson said, a “disastrous equation” is in the offing: “A higher need for blood met by a lower supply.”

Though O-negative and A-negative blood is at critically low levels, all eligible blood donors are urged to give blood. If you haven’t donated blood within the last 56 days, or haven’t ever donated blood, now is the time, said the blood bank.

“Your donation could save the life of a friend or loved one n even yourself. Please donate at one of Delta Blood Bank’s donor center.”

The San Andreas blood bank clinic is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information call (888) 942-5663.

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