A paramedic holds a test tube containing a blood sample at a coronavirus antibody testing program at the Hollymore Ambulance Hub, in Birmingham, England, on Friday, June 5, 2020.
Simon Dawson / AP Photo
Blood supplies in the midstate fall to historic lows
The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank is the primary supplier of blood and blood components for 26 hospitals in the region.
-
Julia Agos/WITF
Simon Dawson / AP Photo
A paramedic holds a test tube containing a blood sample at a coronavirus antibody testing program at the Hollymore Ambulance Hub, in Birmingham, England, on Friday, June 5, 2020.
(Harrisburg) — The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank is experiencing an emergency shortage of blood, as supply drops to a historic low.
Under normal circumstances, it has more than 900 units of O Positive blood on their shelves. But, there is less than half that number now.
The blood bank is the primary supplier of blood and blood components for Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Perry, Adams, Franklin, Juniata, and Snyder county hospitals.
Director of Community Relations Jay Wimer said his organization is struggling to fill requests from the 26 hospitals they serve.
The shortage is largely due to the absence of blood drives on Bloodmobile Buses, which have been parked in the garage since March because of social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Blood drives on the Bloodmobile at churches, community centers or business account for more than 60 percent of donations in normal years.
During a shortage, the center must ration blood and in some extreme cases, surgeries may be canceled.
“That’s what we really, really want to not have happen,” said Wimer.
The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank often looks to other blood centers across the country to help out during a shortage.
But Wimer noted the pandemic has turned the problem into a nationwide shortage
“A lot of people are being very cautious which is good, about coming out into public, but blood donation is actually very safe,” he said.
All staff at the blood bank wear masks and everyone has their temperature checked before entering the building. People can also book appointments online to avoid overcrowding.
The blood bank has also maintained their already rigorous cleaning procedures between donors.
Anyone who gives blood will also have the option to get a coronavirus antibody test.
Those interested can call 1 800-771-0059 or visit 717giveblood.org.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
