Emergency blood shortage declared

Heather Rawlyk

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004 | 9:32 a.m.

United Blood Services' main office at 6877 W. Charleston Blvd. and the Green Valley center are open 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Potential donors can call 233-9620 for locations and to make appointments. Walk-ins are also accepted.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

United Blood Services isn't thrilled about how it is kicking off National Donor Month.

The organization declared an emergency shortage of blood Tuesday that affects 20 area hospitals in Southern Nevada, parts of Northern Arizona and Southern California.

The announcement came one month after United Blood Services warned Las Vegas Valley residents that an emergency blood shortage by mid-December was very likely.

An emergency shortage is declared when the blood bank has less than a one-day supply of blood for the 20 area hospitals it serves, spokesman Dan Perlstein said. United Blood Services typically aims for a five-day supply of blood in the bank.

"We expected the emergency shortage in mid-December, so it came later than we anticipated, but not much," Perlstein said. "This one is ugly."

The last emergency blood shortage was announced a year and a half ago, Perlstein said. United Blood Services issued three critical shortages in2003.

As of now, blood supplies will be delivered only on an "absolute emergency" basis, in which a hospital would face a possibility of cancelling surgeries, Perlstein said.

The cancellation of scheduled surgeries is solely up to the hospitals, he said.

United Blood Services has been experiencing a decrease in blood donations for the past few months.

November blood collections decreased 1,250 units from October's figures, Perlstein said. During the last 30 days, demand has outpaced collections by 43 percent, he said.

"This shortage is worse than I've seen it in four years," Perlstein said.

Volunteers at the United Blood Services blood bank at 6877 W. Charleston Blvd. were calling potential donors Tuesday, informing people about the emergency shortage.

Local resident John Dabrowski was spotted blood at the W. Charleston Blvd. blood bank Tuesday afternoon after receiving a call.

"I donate sometimes, so I'm on their list," he said. "I got a call this morning from the blood bank and they told me there was an emergency shortage situation. I immediately came down to donate."

Dabrowski said he is worried about the possible effects of the emergency blood shortage.

"Sure, I'm worried because blood is a critical thing," he said. "I'm absolutely going to try to recruit friends and family to donate."

Not all donors are so dedicated. Perlstein said volunteers make 50,000 calls a month to make 5,000 appointments. Of those appointments, 60 percent of them are kept, he said.

Perlstein said United Blood Services is desperately trying to get the word out to bring in donors and get more blood drives going.

Rampart Casino at 221 N. Rampart Blvd. is holding a two-day blood drive, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday in its Grand Ballroom. Each donor will receive a buffet ticket for two.

Anyone interested can walk in or call 228-8400, ext. 233 for information.

"Rampart (Casino) is stepping up to help with the blood situation," Perlstein said. "Then maybe more people will get the word out. Something has to be done."