Officials call for blood donations after spike in use

Hunter
8/19/19

Officials at a center providing blood to dozens of hospitals in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin are requesting additional donors this week after a big spike in blood use over the past two weeks.

In a statement from the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, the increased use has put a strain on the blood supply, especially on the Type O blood group.

The center sees a drop in donations of twenty percent over holidays like Labor Day.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Kirby Winn, the public relations manager for the center, says the blood supply is a little lower than it is at other times of the year, making the need that much greater.

The MVRBC is asking individuals of all blood types to consider donating, and can schedule an appointment with a center or blood drive near you by going to www.bloodcenterimpact.org .