This week’s snowstorm has created a major shortage of blood.
The Blood Center of Wisconsin says lots of appointments for blood donations were canceled due to the severe winter storm. As a result, the center expects a shortfall of over a thousand units over the next several days.
All blood types are needed, but officials say there’s a particular need for O-Negative — the universal type that’s used in emergency rooms and med-flight helicopters. The Blood Center also has a critical need for platelets, which are used to help cancer and trauma patients recover from life-threatening injuries.
The Blood Center serves 56 hospitals in Wisconsin. It’s asking everyone to keep their scheduled appointments if they can safely do so – and others who wish to help can make appointments to help out.
