Summer is vacation time, but accidents and other emergencies as well as surgical procedures don't take holidays. The need for blood donations is year - round, but supplies dwindle in summer months, causing problems for patients and hospitals.
A combination of many serious accidents this summer in Utah, combined with a recent decline in blood donations has created a near-desperate situation.Intermountain Health Care Blood Services is considering canceling elective surgeries because of a critically low level of blood supplies. The agency has extended its hours of operation at several donation centers, hoping to encourage donors.
In the case of blood supplies, there is no alternative to asking, even pleading, for donations.
Blood substitutes exist but are not as available, safe and effective as donated blood. Blood supplies are perishable and must be restocked constantly.
Healthy individuals should make time to visit a blood donation center soon to help restock the vital centers.
Utahns should heed the urgent appeal. All blood types are needed, and the process of donating blood is practically painless.
Including filling out the important forms that help identify problems with blood, the entire procedure usually takes less than an hour.
Utah has a dedicated group of regular donors, but especially during summer, more are needed. It's a civic responsibility that most Utahns can and should fulfill on a regular basis.