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Winter weather creates need for blood donations

Vitalant Winter weather.jpg
Posted at 11:28 AM, Feb 19, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-19 12:28:03-05

Vitalant locations across Louisiana are asking donors to consider donating blood as soon as possible.

They say that extreme winter weather has caused a significant impact on the blood supply both locally and nationally.

As of Friday, February 19, Vitalant says there are over 1,200 units of blood and platelets that have gone uncollected due to cancellations.

“The icy weather has forced a number of donation centers to close, which has greatly impacted our local blood supply. However, the need for blood doesn’t stop,” said Stephanie Kizziar, Communications Manager for Vitalant.

Vitalant says that reduced hours, center closures, blood drive cancellations and rescheduled appointments have all led to the decrease in the blood supply — which was already low due to factors such as COVID-19.

For the most up-to-date information on center hours, blood donors can visit the Vitalant Louisiana Facebook page.

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