“All blood donors needed now to help patients”
information provided by Vitalant
LANSING, Ill. (January 8, 2020) – There is a critical shortage of blood, Vitalant announced this week. Vitalant (formerly known as LifeSource) serves local hospitals, and over the holidays they processed 21,000 fewer donations than needed. More blood is going out than is coming in—and hospitals are anxiously trying to help patients.
Vitalant is urging all donors to give blood as soon as possible.
“We strive to maintain a 4-day supply of blood just to provide what patients need, and currently we’re at less than half that for certain blood types,” said Dr. Ralph Vassallo, Chief Medical Officer at Vitalant. “Blood on the shelf helps patients every day—for traumas, cancer treatments, and critical transfusions—and enables us to be ready if disaster strikes.”
Every two seconds, someone needs blood. Patients depend on the ongoing generosity of volunteer blood donors for the blood transfusions they need.
Donors can make an appointment now at one of Vitalant’s 17 local Chicago area blood donation centers. The Lansing donation center is located at 2 River Oaks Drive, in the plaza anchored by Subway and Dunkin Donuts.
Donors can call 877-258-4825 or click Donate to make an appointment.