Cancellations due to cold and flu have caused supplies to fall to concerning levels.
Bay Area residents encouraged to make appointment as soon as possible to support local patients.
September 26, 2023 — Media Release (for immediate release)
STANFORD, Calif. — Stanford Blood Center is issuing a critical appeal to the community for immediate blood and platelet donations. As of today, the organization faces a concerning shortage, primarily exacerbated by recent appointment cancellations due to illness. Despite these challenges, the demand for blood and platelets remains high. This shortfall in our supply threatens our ability to meet the ongoing needs of patients in our community hospitals.
All blood types are needed, especially type O-positive and O-negative, with just a 2-day supply of O-negative blood on hand.
Dr. Suchi Pandey, Chief Medical Officer at Stanford Blood Center, emphasized the urgency of the need for donations, saying, "The number of transfusions at area hospitals has been above average in September, including the support of pediatric and adult heart and lung transplants. In the upcoming week, multiple pediatric and adult complex cardiac surgeries are also scheduled, which will further increase the need for blood."
As a special thanks for making donation a priority, Stanford Blood Center is offering incentives to donors, including:
September Donors: Anyone who donates at any center or mobile drive during September will automatically be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $500 Apple e-gift card.
October Donors: Donors who visit during October will receive 1000 bonus points in our loyalty store, which can be redeemed for gift cards or branded items.
Appointments can be scheduled online at stanfordbloodcenter.org, via our SBC mobile app, by calling 888-723-7831 or texting 999-777. Walk-ins are welcome for whole blood donations. Appointments are recommended for platelet donations.
Donors should be in good health with no cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms. Be sure to eat well prior to donation, drink fluids, and bring a photo ID to your donation. Eligibility information can be found at stanfordbloodcenter.org/eligibility or by calling 888-723-7831.
Stanford Blood Center is grateful for the support of our community and the commitment of our donors. By coming together during this critical time, we can ensure that patients in need continue to receive the life-saving blood and platelet products they depend on.
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About Stanford Blood Center
Stanford Blood Center (SBC) is an independent, community blood center that supplies blood products and testing services to multiple Bay Area hospitals and is a recognized leader in the fields of transfusion and transplantation medicine. SBC was created at the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1978 to meet the complex transfusion and transplant needs of Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, as well as provide clinical trial services and specialized blood products for researchers. Today, the center remains locally focused, serving community hospitals, patients and donors, while contributing to research and advancement that impact the world at large. More information is available at stanfordbloodcenter.org.