Storms cancel blood drives, leaving supply in crisis

Goshen — A local blood bank is in crisis, saying it is possible that some patients who need blood might not be able to get it immediately. The recent storms have cancelled blood drives, leading to some 500 fewer units being collected, according to Community Blood Services, one of the largest blood suppliers in the region. The blood bank’s goal is to have a three- to five-day supply on the shelves. However, for the last six months the blood center has been operating at just a two-day supply. Now it is down to less than a day’s supply. At times like this, hospitals must monitor their blood supply more closely, says Karen Ferriday of Community Blood Services. The holidays, and the busy schedules of prospective donors, are also keeping supplies low. Also, Ferriday said, recent data show that donation deferrals required to keep the blood supply safe have decreased the eligible donors in the United States, from about 50 percent to 37 percent in the past two decades. “Since volunteers in our region don’t donate enough blood to meet community needs local blood centers must import units from other parts of the country,” Ferriday said. “However, severe weather in other locations has impacted collections, further hampering our region’s ability to collect.” Community Blood Services needs donors for all types of blood, but especially O-positive, O-negative, A-negative, and B-negative. Donors must be healthy and between the ages of 16 and 75. The blood center has four collection sites in New York including in Monroe, New City, New Windsor, and Warwick. Donors can call 8294-3362 to schedule an appointment at a collection center or go to an upcoming community blood drive. The scheduled drives are as follows: • Jan. 8 — Walden, Hudson River Community • Jan. 12 — Middletown, Groo’s Shoes • Jan. 13 — Newburgh, Grace United Methodist • Jan. 19 — New Windsor, King of Kings Church.