UBS appeals for blood donations

Staff Report
Citing plummeting blood donations since Memorial Day, United Blood Services says it has been forced to issue an emergency appeal for all blood types, especially all Rh negative types: A-negative, B-negative, AB-negative and O-negative.
The Fourth of July holiday has worsened the severity of low blood inventory levels. As the community blood provider for this area and stewards of the community blood supply, maintaining an adequate supply of all blood types is imperative.
Reserves of blood are depleted to a less than one day supply on the shelves.
Since it takes 24 to 36 hours to test and process each donation before it can be released for a patient, blood is being transfused as fast as United Blood Services can provide it to hospitals.
Donors of all types are urgently needed to give blood now.
To schedule a blood donation online, go to www.bloodhero.com or call United Blood Services at 877-UBS-HERO (877-827-4376).
“Unfortunately, due to high patient usage and fewer donations from the public, we find it necessary to alert the public about the dire need for all blood types, especially the Rh negative types” said Mitzi Breaux, marketing and communications manager, United Blood Services.
Donors with Rh negative blood types are asked to inquire with a United Blood Services staff member about doubling their impact by donating Double Red Cells.
Appointments are highly recommended. Knowing how many to expect means we are better able to serve our donors. However, walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a blood donation online, go to www.bloodhero.com or call United Blood Services at 877-UBS-HERO (877-827-4376).
Donors can donate at the Morgan City Donor Center located at 1234 David Drive, Suite 102:
Monday— 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday—10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday–9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday–9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday–8 a.m. to noon
Saturday– closed
Sunday – closed
Donors can also visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org the day of their donation and click on the “Health History Questionnaire”. This allows donors to complete the interview portion of their donation online, in the privacy of their home or office. Make sure to print your “Fast track donation ticket” and bring it with you to your donation.
Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height and weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 years of age must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
The 16-year-old donor permit form can be located at www.UnitedBloodServices.org. Donors receive a free cholesterol test. Donors also earn points in our “Hero in Me” online rewards store. Points can be redeemed for movie tickets, pizza, shopping cards and more at www.bloodhero.com. A photo ID is required to donate. For more information, call 877-UBSHERO (877-827-4376).