As temperatures plummet, the blood supply at local blood centers often does as well. Versiti Blood Center of Ohio’s Dayton Blood Center saw cancellations at the center in Dayton and mobile blood drives in the community thanks to the recent round of frigid weather. This comes at a time when Versiti’s local blood supply reached low levels across all blood types.
Versiti is asking the community to help by scheduling a blood donation appointment at its permanent blood center on 349 South Main Street in Dayton. The center is open for appointments Monday through Saturday. A continued low blood supply poses a critical threat to the lives of patients who rely on blood transfusions.
“Every blood donation significantly increases the chances of survival for patients in critical conditions. Your donation is valuable and worth the effort it takes to give because it can directly transform emergency room outcomes, from surgeries to trauma cases,” said Tracy Morgan, Vice President for Donor Services at Versiti Blood Center of Ohio. “Help us save lives by bundling up and coming out to donate blood.”
The winter months often see a drop in donors due to travel, seasonal illnesses, and severe weather. January has been especially rough with the winter storm early in the month leading to the rare closure of Versiti Blood Center of Ohio’s Dayton Community Blood Center and the cancellation of mobile blood drives.
All blood types are needed, though O-positive and O-negative, the universal blood type, are in the lowest supply. Hospitals can only receive blood from volunteer donors as blood cannot be manufactured.
As an extra incentive, donors who come to the Dayton center will receive a Chick-fil-A coupon. Donors at all mobile drives, as well as the Dayton center, walk out with the special edition Give Local Versiti Sweatshirt.
Donors are encouraged to make an appointment at the Versiti Blood Center of Ohio’s Dayton Community Blood Center by calling (937) 461-3220. Walk-ins are also welcome. To find a community blood drive near you, visit HERE.
Versiti Blood Center of Ohio’s Dayton Community Blood Center, formerly Solvita Blood Center, has served the local community for 60 years, and its commitment to helping neighbors in need remains unwavering.
