Rhode Island Blood Center says snowstorm resulted in blood emergency

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Blood Center said Thursday that missed donations from this week’s snowstorm resulted in a blood emergency.

The blood center said about 100 appointments were missed because of the storm.

“Patients rely on volunteer blood donors for their life-saving treatments,” said Beau Tompkins, vice president of Rhode Island Blood Center.

Tompkins said that on average, the center needs to “collect 250 donations each day to help meet demand for the patients and hospitals we service.”

“Inventory is now at a critically grave level,” added the blood center.

Tompkins said the region is at a 1-to-2-day supply level when it should be a 5-to-7 day.

“Our supply remains at critical levels as demand surges beyond pre-pandemic levels,” said the vice president. “We need Southern New Englanders to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life to help us stabilize the supply.”

Anyone who would like to donate blood could make an appointment at 401-453-8383.