Vitalant Blood Donation is currently facing a blood shortage, particularly with universal O types.
This shortage can have a wide-reaching impact, especially during a critical time for local hospitals.
The St. Vincent Regional Hospital Emergency and Trauma Center is experiencing one of its busiest periods of the year.
As a result, there is a greater need for blood donations, prompting St. Vincent and Vitalant to appeal for more donors.
Dr. Barry McKenzie, Director of the St. Vincent trauma center, described this time as the “100 deadliest days of the year.”
With summer activities often leading to injuries, the demand for blood is critical.
McKenzie emphasized the need for type O blood, which is a universal donor particularly crucial in trauma situations.
Vitalant has reached out to past donors and issued a nationwide call for blood donations to address the shortage.
Tori Robbins, Vitalant communications manager, mentioned a 25 percent drop in blood donations during the summer.
Hospitals nationwide, including those in Montana, are working to support the blood supply.
Vitalant aims to maintain a four-day blood supply but is currently at a two-day supply level.
To incentivize more donations, Vitalant is offering donors the chance to win a new car.
Both Robbins and McKenzie highlighted the significant impact that blood donors have on patients and their families.
