Rhode Island Blood Center partners with local Olympian for more donations

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Major concerns for blood donation amounts have become a problem for the Rhode Island Blood Center.

The center announced a blood emergency last week.

“If we don’t start building up our stable supply, we might have to make some difficult decisions. Maybe the hospital cannot get their full order, that kind of thing,” said Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, who’s with the Rhode Island Blood Center.

The blood center said the shortages are possibly from Labor Day and back-to-school activities.

“I would say we are at a three to five day supply and we like to be at a five to seven day supply,” added Grimaldi-Flick.

The blood center partnered with three-time Olympian and Rhode Island native Elizabeth Beisel. The hope is to inspire the youth and first-time donors to confidently donate blood.

“So many people need blood. Trauma victims, accidents, cancer patients. We are in a blood emergency right now. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be duped or synthetically made, so it has to be relied on donations from the public,” said Beisel, who’s from North Kingstown.

“If it is something I can do for someone who is a little bit scared of needles and blood, I think every person out there should challenge themselves to go to an appointment, see what it is like. You are going to get through it and you will want to keep coming back,” concluded Beisel.

To donate blood, you can call the Rhode Island Blood Center at 401-453-8383 or visit their website to make an appointment.