Flu epidemic affecting blood supply

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2012-2013 flu season is one of the worst in 10 years. The number of people seeing their doctors for influenza-like illness has been above the national baseline for at over a month, and complications have resulted in higher rates of serious illness and death.

The number of eligible blood donors has fallen this season as many have are ill and unable to donate. At the same time, hospitalizations and blood product usage has risen due to an increase in flu-related complications.

With many of their donors ill, the local blood bank supply has been depleted, at a time when patient usage is on the rise. Delta Blood Bank is asking community members in good health to donate blood as soon as possible. “This next week will be critical in terms of raising the blood supply back to a safe and stable level,” said Annie Stevenson, Marketing Manager. “Our donors have always stepped up to the plate when there has been an urgent need for blood. We want to get the word out that this is one of those times.”

If you are able to donate, please call Delta Blood Bank at 888-942-5663 to schedule a convenient appointment, or visit the Website at deltabloodbank.org for locations and hours.