“When we say we have a ‘critical need’ or ‘severe shortage,’ it means our supply is getting low,” Washburn said.
War Memorial Hospital Laboratory Co-Director Claire LaPlaunt said the hospital must place blood orders to the center twice a week just to maintain safe blood levels. She specified a need for O negative blood types.
“Upper Peninsula Health Systems is never able to fill the full order in which we would like to keep,” LaPlaunt said. “O Negative units, the universal donor, are the most difficult to maintain inventory on. O negative inventory on hand is important for emergent situations such as traumas and emergency release transfusions. Patient orders for blood units of a specific type are occasionally unable to be filled as quickly as we need to due to shortages of all types.”
Washburn would like to encourage people to donate during this time of need. She provided her professional opinion as to why this shortage may be taking place.
“It happens often around the holidays because people get busy,” Washburn said. “Accidents occur more frequently, so the need for blood goes up.”
However, this year coronavirus is a likely accomplice to consider.
“Some of it has to do with COVID-19,” said Washburn. “People still don’t want to go out. They want to stay home, stay safe and rightfully so. A lot has to do with the older generation. They were a big blood donor base. That was just what you did as a community service act. You did it no matter what.”
As those generations seem to be going out less, young adults may not be doing their share.
“I don’t think the younger generation is stepping up to donate,” said Washburn. “We do not see many 30 and below blood donors.”
To help inspire younger people to donate, the donation center puts on multiple high school blood drives throughout the school year.
“A lot of the kids get excited and amped up about donating, but they aren’t making it a habit,” Washburn said. “We are trying to get the word out on social media to reach younger generations. We try to do little promotions, such as Amazon giveaways. If someone is going to donate, they are going to do so regardless.”
Except, many people still fear getting sick. Washburn wants donors to feel safe enough to donate.
The U.P. Regional Blood Collections website reminds visitors of the precautionary measures staff have taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Potential donors will be assessed for symptoms of respiratory infection and asked if they have been in contact with someone who has received a positive diagnosis within a 14-day period.
- All chairs, tables, equipment, etc. are disinfected between donors.
- Donors are asked social distance, remaining six feet apart.
- Donations are limited to three at a time.
“Donating blood is a very safe,” Washburn reiterated. “Every time you donate, you get a mini-physical. You will be greeted upon entering and given a clean pen, along with a donation form and booklet. You will complete paperwork and a health questionnaire. It’s like 56 some odd question that have to do with donating blood and physical well-being. Then, you will be sent to a private area to review paperwork. Your temperature, pulse and hemoglobin will be taken. Then, you will donate.”
Washburn would like to ask that people take 30 to 45 minutes out of their holiday schedules to give back. One pint of your blood could mean life or death to someone undergoing cancer treatment, hurt during a snowmobile or car accident, bleeding excessively during childbirth, or receiving open heart surgery.
“One car accident could take 100-units of blood, which could mean an entire supply,” Washburn said. “We always want to make sure we have a set number on our shelves. Donating means giving another more time with their family.”
There is a blood donation scheduled at the Soo Co-op Credit Union on Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Another is scheduled at the War Memorial Hospital on Dec. 23 from noon to 3 p.m.
For more information or a list of blood drive locations, visit the U.P. Regional Blood Center Facebook page at UPRBC906 or website at http://www.mgh.org/blood
Call the U.P. Regional Blood Center of Marquette at 906-449-1450, Hancock at 906-483-1392, and Escanaba at 906-786-8420
