Saint Joseph Health System hosting blood drive during shortage

PLYMOUTH, Ind.-- Saint Joseph Health System is hosting a mobile blood drive with the South Bend Medical Foundation. The public is encouraged to attend the blood drive on July 9, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Plymouth Medical Center.  

According to health officials, there is always a constant need for blood donations whether it's for surgeries, traumas, or cancer treatments. Blood donations play a vital role in saving lives and improving the overall health of the community.  

"All blood types are needed, with O-positive and O-negative being the most in demand," health officials said. "O-positive is the most common blood type, while O-negative blood is the universal type that can be safely received by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is unknown". 

Versiti is a blood donation company that provides a continuous and safe supply of blood and biological services to more than 95 Indiana hospitals.  

They have issued an emergency appeal for blood donations due to a dangerously low blood supply. Certain blood types have less than a day's worth of availability, endangering the lives of local patients. Summer donations have plummeted to critical levels, with over 4,463 appointments missed in the past month alone. 

"We know summer is a challenging time for blood donation, and we plan for it every year, but what we see today is dire," said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti.