Western Pennsylvania health systems launch campaign to increase blood donations as critical shortages persist
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A coalition of western Pennsylvania hospitals and health care systems are coming together in a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and to urge more people to become blood donors as supplies remain critically low at hospitals across the region.
Nationally and locally, blood supplies have dropped precipitously in recent years, due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, which lead to cancelled blood drives and a general sense of hesitancy among those who previously donated regularly.
While hospital inhouse blood banks optimally maintain a four-day supply of blood, current supplies of the most transfused blood type “O”, as well as platelets, which must be used within seven days of collection, have dangerously dipped to below half that amount in many cases. The diminished blood supply combined with the sharp uptick in patients needing blood transfusions during the summer months, makes for a perfect storm that puts lives at risk, according to health officials.
The months of June, July and August are considered the peak trauma season for hospital emergency departments. “More people participating in sometimes risky outdoor activities and traveling during the summer means more traumatically injured patients hitting emergency departments and requiring blood transfusions,” said Allan Philp, MD, director of trauma and acute care surgery, AHN, and chief medical officer, Allegheny General Hospital.
According to nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant, the number of new donors is down by 12 percent year over year, with 92,000 fewer donors annually compared to pre-pandemic levels. Just three percent of the population donates blood regularly and a sharp, unexplainable decrease in younger donors has also impacted blood supplies.
Dr. Vassallo said blood donation takes about an hour of time to complete and a single donor can save up to three lives.
The multi-media public service campaign will end at the end of September, with placements scheduled throughout the region. Additionally, a microsite was created: www. give blood save lives.org that encourages people to conveniently schedule their donation through Vitalant or the Red Cross online.