RIBC seeking donations after first blood emergency in 2024

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island’s Blood Center is looking to the community for help as the country’s blood shortage continues, announcing their first blood shortage of 2024.

Staff here in Rhode Island are looking for three blood types, O-, O+, and B-, as the states reserve levels drop down to about two or three days’ worth.

“About 5-7 allows us to respond in case there is a, you know God forbid a huge trauma situation, you know it is the summer so that kind of thing does happen. That 2-3 day… it’s just a little bit of a tighter number for hospitals.” said Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, a spokesperson for RIBC.

There are a few things causing the shortage, including seasonal travel and school vacations which mean people aren’t around to donate.

But one of the biggest factors is a rise in accidents that comes with warmer weather.

“People are out and about more and doing more things during the summer months. Later nights and people are out enjoying themselves, but unfortunately accidents do happen. And more car accidents we certainly see on the roadways, more injuries from sporting type events and other activities.” said Jason Rhodes, the Chief of Division EMS at RIDOH.

The solution is a pretty simple one, if you can donate, staff says you should.

The average donation only takes around 8 to 12 minutes, but you can expect to spend around an hour at a site.

And after recent donation guideline changes, more people can donate than ever.

“We’re just so happy, we’ve been lobbying for years and years for science-based data, and the FDA stepped up and they ultimately reevaluated and now it’s an individual donor assessment. So, it doesn’t matter what your lifestyle is, it’s just simply, are you healthy enough and well enough to meet the requirements to donate blood.” said Beau Tompkins, the Vice President of Rhode Island Blood Center

The Rhode Island Blood Center holds daily drives, and donors can give around once every two months, or once every 56 days.