NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — For a third week, the Blood Center is reporting an impact on blood supply in Southern Louisiana, citing the recent poor weather conditions.
“Icy conditions nationally and another round of flooding rains here have severely affected our local blood supply. The Blood Center supplies blood and blood components to over fifty area hospitals and outpatient facilities across Southern Louisiana and Southern Mississippi,” said Medical Director for The Blood Center Dr. Tim Peterson.
President of The Blood Center Billy Weales says there is an emphasis on the need for type O and platelet donation.
“Platelets, because they’re limited to five days from collection to expiration, are always needed to help patients battling cancer. Type O is crucial because it is universal in emergencies, particularly O-Negative,” said Weales.
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Peterson says that there is currently less than a two-day supply of blood and blood components and that without support from the community, patient care may be compromised.