January 16, 2024 – As winter weather moved into the area this past week, blood donors began cancelling appointments and blood drives were delayed, forcing an already struggling blood supply to critically low levels. This blood shortage has the potential to impact hospitals and patients in need.
Our Blood Institute (OBI) is asking donors to reschedule appointments and come in to donate as soon as possible as the weather clears.
Right now, OBI only has a 1–2-day supply of blood, which is well below our safe stock level. For over a week,OBI has been sending out more blood to hospitals than it is bringing in from donors. If this continues, it could impact treatments for cancer, scheduling of surgeries, and transfusions of all types. OBI is not alone in this blood deficit. In the last few weeks, other blood providers across the nation have also declared emergency blood shortages.
OBI is the sole provider of blood to the central Arkansas area and Fort Smith along with Eastern Oklahoma.
“January is always a difficult time, as blood donations are typically slow during the holidays and in the weeks following, and the winter weather is magnifying the problem,” said Dr. John Armitage, Our Blood Institute president and CEO. “Since the start of the year, blood donations are lagging significantly and fewer people are donating. We urgently ask the public to step up and help secure their community blood supply.”
To help make things more convenience, Our Blood institute Fort Smith and Russellville locations will be opening with extended hours in the morning and also open on days that are usually closed. The Fort Smith location will be accepting appointments and walk ins Today thru Friday from 7:30a – 6p and open on Sunday, January 21st from 8a – Noon.
Successful donors will receive a short-sleeved, glow-in-the-dark “When I’m Not Hibernating, I’m Donating Blood” T-shirt.
Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be donated as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
“Blood has no substitute,” Armitage said. “Patients across the state rely on blood products to fight cancer, survive trauma and heal after childbirth. Blood donation takes about an hour and can save up to three lives.”
Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.
