ADK Blood Center facing severe shortages

PLATTSBURGH | Facing a severe shortage of supplies, the Adirondack Regional Blood Center is hosting nearly two dozen blood drives across the northern tri-county area hoping to boost supplies at several hospitals. Hospital officials across the region are now hoping North Country residents will help combat a shortage of potentially lifesaving blood. While the program typically collects roughly 500 units of donated blood per month, they are on pace to lose roughly 100 units due to decreased participation, showing a 20 percent decline in donations for the month of June alone. "We are worried that our supply could fall even further as the summer progresses," Nancy Roberts, RN with the Adirondack Regional Blood Center, said. "With things opening up and more people wanting to go on vacation, there are a lot of potential distractions that could keep donors from coming in. But, the need for blood doesn't go away." Officials said this is also reflective of an emerging national trend as blood banks warn of severe blood shortages brought on by more patients undergoing elective surgeries, organ transplants and requiring emergency care. Roberts said summer is usually a busy time for the local blood bank because, in addition to fewer donations, there are more traumas from traffic accidents and other serious injuries as more people venture outside. She is encouraging anyone who is healthy and willing to donate, especially younger people who may not have regularly donated before, to make an appointment now. "Think about all the people out there you can help," she said. "Whether it's a cancer victim or a family that was in a bad car wreck. What if it is someone you care about who needs blood? Your donation today could save a life tomorrow." To combat the shortages, the Blood Center has announced 18 blood drives open to the community in July. Blood donors are now registered electronically and should have their donor card or another form of identification with them to donate. To protect the safety of the donors and the donor team during a community drive, a number of safety measures are in place. Donors undergo a COVID-19 screening and phlebotomists are able to limit close contact while still providing exceptional care. Phlebotomists and donors are masked and cots are placed an appropriate distance apart. The Donor Center at 85 Plaza Blvd, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blood collected by the Adirondack Regional Blood Center stays in the North Country, helping hundreds of people in this region at hospitals in Elizabethtown, Plattsburgh, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake and Glens Falls. Learn more about the Adirondack Regional Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or by calling 518-562-7406.

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ADK Blood Center facing severe shortages

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