The supply of blood in area blood banks has been dwindling over the last month according to the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.
In a release from the organization, they contribute the decline in donations to holidays, extreme cold, and illness across the area.
The demand for blood remains constant year-round says the blood center, and the schedule for mobile blood drives decline heavily during this time of year .
Amanda Hess, the Director of Donor Relations for Mississippi Valley, says that “Patient need at the hospitals we serve never stops,” adding that donors are asked to help the blood center recover from the cold snap to better serve local hospitals.
According to a release from the blood center, extreme cold between Christmas and New Year’s Eve and during the first week of the year has led to blood drive cancellations and a decrease in appointments.
The blood center serves 86 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin – including OSF St. Mary’s in Galesburg, and OSF Holy Family in Monmouth.
Potential donors are asked to find a convenient time to donate by calling the donor scheduling team at (563) 359-5401 or (800) 747-5401.
