Blood Bank of Alaska at Critically Low Levels on Multiple Blood Types

Officials at the Blood Bank of Alaska say that blood donations are going out to hospitals just as quickly as they are coming in.

Tools

By Kali Hulquist

Story Created: Jul 24, 2011 at 6:06 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 25, 2011 at 11:07 AM AKDT

It's a pattern we see every summer. As Alaskans enjoy their long summer days, accidents tend to increase and so does the need for blood.

This summer, the Blood Bank of Alaska has experienced its longest critical shortage of blood in several years, according to Jessica Golden, public relations manager for the Blood Bank of Alaska. But it's not because people aren’t donating, it’s because the blood is going out just as quick as it’s coming in.

Blood Bank of Alaska CEO Jack Williams is asking Alaska residents to help rebuild blood inventories in order to make it through the summer safely. He says blood banks in the lower 48 are also experiencing critical blood shortages.

The Blood Bank of Alaska typically keeps 300 to 400 units of blood on their shelves for hospitals, but with a series of accidents across the state, there's a greater need for blood.

"We strive to keep a five- to seven-day inventory,” said Williams

But with such a critical shortage of blood across the United States and in Alaska, it's important for everybody to donate because every drop counts when it comes to saving a life.

"It doesn’t cost you anything and takes 30 minutes. I don’t see why not. And you feel really good afterwards," said blood donor Olga Banitch

Corbin Haldane regularly used to donate blood for years but took a break from it until a member of his own family needed blood. "Last year my daughter was in a bad car accident and she needed four units [of blood] herself. And I kind of thought I'll go donate blood again to get it back into the system."

Whole blood donors can donate blood every 56 days.

There are two Blood Bank of Alaska locations in Anchorage at 4000 Laurel Street and on the second floor of the Dimond Center.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

New Yawker 8 said on Monday, Jul 25 at 6:23 PM

It is also healthy for males to donate as in a few recent studies ,evidence is emerging that donating blood takes out some little bad stuff while you are re-making the new blood that was given,so far I only know men to be in this study. I gave here in NYC last week,I hope Alaskan's can give up a bot of vacation time to do likewise.

71279147
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.