LAFAYETTE, LA - The severe weather alert in the Lafayette area has caused the cancellation of blood drives and adjusted hours of operation for the donation center. This storm brings further impact to an already critically low blood supply. In order to replenish the supply, it is imperative that donors make time to donate in the days after the storm has passed.
Blood donations are down over 21,000 after the holidays and this severe weather event provides another obstacle to rebuilding our community's blood supply. Vitalant strives to maintain a 4-day supply of type O blood; currently we're at less than half that amount.
Cancellations and closures have resulted in the loss over 100 units of life-saving blood and platelets. Donors are strongly encouraged to give blood in the days after to immediately rebuild the community blood supply.
January is National Blood Donor Month, a critical time for new donors to step up and make blood donation a life-transforming habit.
The Lafayette Donation Center will be open the following days:
Saturday, Jan. 11 - 8-2
Sunday, Jan. 12 - 7-1
Monday, Jan. 13 - 8-5
Tuesday, Jan. 14 - 9-6
Wednesday, Jan. 15 - 9-6
To schedule an appointment to give blood, go to vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825. Walk-in donors are always welcome.
Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
