Blood center declares emergency shortage

A blood drive sponsored by the local American Legion and VFW posts could not have come at a more opportune time.

The drive, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at the recreation center, 41 Conanicus Ave., comes on the heels of a blood emergency declared Sept. 14 by the Rhode Island Blood Center. Appointments can be made online through the Rhode Island Blood Center with the sponsor code 0894. Walk-ins will be allowed if availability permits at the time of arrival.

“This summer was a challenging time for blood donations,” the center announced. “As a result, our supply is now at a critical level and there is an urgent need for all blood types, especially type O and platelets.”

According to spokeswoman Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, the shortage is fueled by people being too busy because of Labor Day and back-to-school preparations. The center also is experiencing a 50 percent decrease in first-time donors and donations from teenagers.

To promote the need for blood, the center has partnered with Olympic swimmer Elizabeth Beisel, a two-time medalist who graduated from North Kingstown High School.

“This collaboration holds immense significance as it highlights the vital importance of blood donations and the frequent demand for these lifesaving contributions,” she said. “Before my father’s courageous battle with cancer, he selflessly donated over six gallons of blood to the Rhode Island Blood Center. His dedication to this cause has left an indelible mark on my heart. Joining forces with this organization holds a deeply personal resonance, allowing me to honor my father’s remarkable legacy while making a profound impact on countless lives.”

Grimaldi-Flick said the center needs to collect 250 donations each day to meet the demand. The region’s blood supply is well below the optimal five to seven days, she added, and while all blood types are needed, types O+, O- and B- are critically low.

“Elizabeth knows first-hand how every second counts in the pool,” Grimaldi-Flick said. “That mindset also matters when it comes to saving lives. The sustained loss of youth and first time donors, and fewer organizations hosting blood drives, are all combining to have a devastating impact on our local blood supply and the nation’s blood supply. It is vital that we have blood and blood products available to ensure they can receive treatment when patients need it.”

Dan Ustick, a U.S. Navy veteran who promotes local blood drives for the VFW and Legion, said he was contacted by the blood center to further encourage people to donate because of the shortage. The blood center, he said, considers Jamestown an important asset because it is “a very high donating” community for its size.

Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Sixteen-year-olds can donate with written parental consent if they are at least 130 pounds.