Nationwide hospitals are trying to manage surgeries during a blood shortage crisis with the supply level at its the lowest point in more than a decade.
Hospitals use blood daily for traumas and surgeries, but the need fluctuates hour by hour.
The pandemic and winter weather forced blood drives to be canceled depleting the nation’s blood supply.
Heartland Regional Medical Center Regional Lab Administrator Charity Stucker says they’re currently receiving about 30 to 50 percent of the supply they’re normally given.
“We worked closely with our sister hospitals and neighboring hospitals and our suppliers to ensure we have adequate supplies of all types of blood. We're desperately we desperately need individuals to consider donating to replenish the nationwide supply and help hospitals across the country.”
All the blood donated in Southern Illinois blood drives stays in this area.
Click here to find a blood drive in your area.
