Blood supply is scarce across the country, impacting hospitals, including Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough.
According to the American Red Cross, summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, but this year has become a particular challenge. Many Americans have recently finished their vaccination schedule and have resumed regular summer activities and travel, and there is a lower donor turnout than usual at local blood drives.
Donors of all blood types are needed, but especially type O, which is considered the “universal” donor, and those giving platelets.
Deborah Morris, laboratory manager at Monadnock Community Hospital, said in an interview Thursday that MCH has had to closely monitor its own blood supply, and is in contact with 22 other area hospitals to manage supply and direct it where it is needed most on a week-to-week – and sometimes day-to-day – basis.
“At Monadnock, we have not been impacted to the point of canceling elective surgeries, but are monitoring that on a day-to-day basis,” Morris said. “Historically, on the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday, supply is tight every single year. This year, we are seeing it a little tighter, than usual, and that takes managing supply and inventory every single day.”
As is the case nationally, Morris said, one of the biggest needs locally is platelet supply. Platelets are the part of the blood that encourages clotting.
The American Red Cross is currently running a promotion to try to encourage blood and platelet donations to ensure hospital shelves are stocked.
Donors who give through July 6 will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat, while supplies last, and through July, donors will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card, plus a chance to win gas for a year, up to a $5,000 value.
“We appreciate all assistance and donations. It’s about the donor, the donor, the donor. That’s the first step in replenishing the deficit,” Morris said. “That’s the only step, since we don’t have a way to make it, yet.”
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccination can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine you have received is important in determining donation eligibility.
Monadnock Community Hospital is conducting a blood donation drive for hospital employees on July 29. Multiple other communities in the area have scheduled blood drives for community members. Jaffrey has scheduled a drive on July 14 from noon. to 6 p.m. at the VFW Hall on Hathorn Road. To make an appointment or to find other local drives, visit redcrossblood.org.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.