Vitalant’s blood supply lowest since start of pandemic

Blood provider Vitalant said Tuesday its supply is at the lowest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A nonprofit provider in Arizona, Vitalant said it is facing a critical shortage of blood and platelet donations and is calling on donors to make appointments, according to a news release Tuesday.

Vitalant has seen its share of Type O blood, the most transfused blood and often used during emergencies, fall under a two-day supply — the lowest since May 2020.

“Compared to the beginning of the pandemic, patient needs are stronger than we expected,” Cliff Numark, Vitalant senior vice president, said in the release. “We’re seeking about 1,000 additional volunteer donors to make and keep an appointment each week for the foreseeable future to ensure Vitalant can help trauma victims, cancer patients and critical surgeries.”

Vitalant serves about 900 hospitals nationwide, 62 of which are in Arizona.

As potential donors begin to resume their normal activities, they are not making — or keeping — their usual blood donation appointments, according to Vitalant.

Many businesses still maintain virtual workforces, so about one-third of all Arizona blood drives continue to be canceled. And no-show rates are about 30% at blood centers and drives, the blood provider said.

Yet blood use is up about 5% over normal levels as people reschedule surgeries postponed during the pandemic.

Donation center locations

An appointment to donate can be made at vitalant.org or by calling 87725-VITAL (877-258-4825). Walk-ins are welcome. Masks are required for all donors, staff, volunteers and guests at Vitalant blood drives and facilities regardless of vaccination status.

Chandler: 1989 W. Elliot Road, #33 (Elliot & Dobson roads)

Glendale: 18583 N. 59th Ave., #113 (59th Avenue & Union Hills Drive)

Goodyear: 14270 W. Indian School Road, #C-8 (Indian School & Litchfield roads)

Mesa: 1337 S. Gilbert Road, #101 (Gilbert Road & Hampton Avenue)

Phoenix: 5757 N. Black Canyon Highway (Bethany Home Road & I-17)

Scottsdale: 15170 N. Hayden Road, #6 (Hayden Road & 83rd Place)

Tempe: 1524 W. 14th St. #120 (14th Street & Priest Drive)