Borderland blood banks in need of donors amid low summer blood supply
EL PASO, Texas– Borderland blood banks are expressing concern as they are seeing a decrease in blood donations.
An official with Vitalant Blood Donation told ABC-7 they are running low on the supply of blood and said the summer may be a challenge for their supply.
David Veloz, senior director of donor recruitment at Vitalant said he describes the phase we are in right now, as the calm before the storm.
He said every day they need to collect at least 125 blood donations daily, to meet patient needs.
He said the summer months are typically very difficult on the blood supply and the Borderland is already entering these months with a low amount.
This happens because schools are out and people are on vacation, so they see fewer donations.
Veloz said they typically try to have at least a 3-day supply of blood per day available for local hospitals, but as of right now, they only have a 2-day supply.
He said after the tragedy that took place in Uvalde, Texas the company was able to assist with several units of blood.
He said he wants to make sure that El Paso continues to be proactive rather than reactive if we need more supply.
“And so in situations like what happened in Uvalde, the blood that is really saving lives is the blood that was already on the shelf, tested and available. And so, none of us plan for tragedies like that so that's why our community has got to be proactive and assure that we do have a safe and plentiful blood supply,” said Veloz.
Veloz said the process takes about 45 minutes and the requirements for giving blood are the following:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Be in good general health
- Bring your ID
- Eat within two hours ahead of your donation
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids
If you would like to schedule your appointment to donate, you can go to www.vitalant.org
