Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) is issuing an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donors of all blood types as the community blood supply has fallen to critically low levels.

According to Monika Kotlarska-Gross, MKBC’s director of donor relations, the need for blood donations is immediate to ensure local hospitals have the lifesaving blood products needed to treat patients.

“We currently have only a one-day supply of blood products available,” said Kotlarska-Gross. “That is concerning because a single large-scale accident or trauma event could significantly impact our inventory and our ability to meet patient needs.”

Every day, our regional hospitals rely on blood products to treat trauma and burn victims, cancer patients, premature infants, surgical patients, individuals with inherited blood disorders, and many others in need of lifesaving transfusions.

“We need all eligible donors to take just one hour, roll up their sleeves, and help patients in our community by donating blood,” Kotlarska-Gross added.

MKBC works to maintain at least a three-day blood supply for the hospitals it serves, which equates to approximately 1,200 units of blood. Currently, only about 300 units are available for distribution.

“The summer months are traditionally challenging for community blood centers,” Kotlarska-Gross said. “High school and college breaks, family vacations, and increased travel often lead to fewer donations at a time when the need for blood remains constant.”

To donate blood, individuals must be at least 16 years old*, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in good health, and have not donated in the past eight weeks. Donors must also present valid photo identification.

A complete list of donor eligibility requirements is available at GiveAPint.org/who-can-donate-blood/.

*Parental consent is required for 16-year-old donors.

To schedule an appointment, visit GiveAPint.org, download the MKBC App, or call 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667), ext. 2.