Vitalant, a blood bank serving the Acadiana area, has declared a critical shortage of blood.
According to reports, blood providers nationwide have less than two days supply of necessary blood types.
Currently, all blood types are in short supply, with a special need for platelets and Type O blood donations.
Platelets have a five-day shelf life, while Type O-negative blood is the universal blood type that can stabilize all patients.
Dr. Ralph Vassallo, Chief Medical Officer at Vitalant, said, "We strive to maintain a 4-day supply of blood...and currently we're at less than half that for certain blood types."
Nationally, Vitalant needs to collect more than 35,000 blood products per week to meet patient needs. In South Louisiana, they need to collect 250 blood products per day to meet local needs.
To schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825.
