The state faces a desperate need for blood.That’s the message from the Oklahoma Blood Institute. The agency said hospitals are using nearly 10% more blood than before, driving up the need for more donors. “We’ve talked to a lot of our hospital partners and they’re seeing a lot of traffic in their operating rooms,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Blood Institute.Armitage said the organization has seen an increase in blood demand for about six weeks. He partly attributes this to a feeling of confidence many people have after getting vaccinated that allows them to get surgeries they put off last year.What about being vaccinated and giving blood?“If you’ve had the vaccination, you can certainly give with us. There is no deferral,” Armitage said. Being vaccinated is not a requirement to donate. Oklahoma Blood Institute recommends holding off until a donor feels fine if they’re feeling sick. Oklahoma Blood Institute says donating blood is an
By: Erica Rankin
In March, the Oklahoma Blood Institute saw its highest distribution of certain blood products in the 44-year history of institute.
Hospital blood usage has surged nearly 10% over previous levels, as the Oklahoma City metro area is moving into COVID recovery mode.
The OBI put out the call for blood donors and said they are needed immediately to respond.
Right now, the institute is operating on a day supply of blood when they normally have a three day supply.
“One is about is you know if you think of your engine running on oil that is as low you want the oil to go before it starts seizing up on you so it’s as low as you can go before the distribution starts to choke,” said Dr. John Armitage, OBI president and CEO.
This year has been a busy year for Hospitals in Amarillo and the High Plains. In some of these cases patients may have been subject to blood transfusions and that has put a lot of demand our local blood bank, Coffee Memorial. March happens to have been a very high demand month on the bank due to an increase in local traumas here in the region.
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There s a few factors at play, COVID-19 Restrictions on elective surgeries are starting to ease and increases in trauma as folks get out and get more active. President and CEO John Armitage on the situation:
About 1,200 donors are generally needed each day to ensure a healthy blood supply. Author: Press Release Updated: 9:32 AM CDT April 14, 2021
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Hospital blood usage has surged nearly 10 percent over previous levels, as our community moved into COVID recovery mode. Blood donors are needed immediately to respond.
March was the highest distribution of certain blood products in our history of Arkansas Blood Institute.
The dramatic increase in hospital usage comes at a time when local patients return to the medical system for planned and routine medical care. Trauma-related blood needs have also increased dramatically, as Arkansans return to vigorous spring activities and travel.
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