Indiana is currently facing an emergency blood shortage

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The state of Indiana is facing an emergency blood shortage.

Traditionally, blood donations are down during the summer. However, Versiti’s Shelly Shearer said that a decrease in first-time donors and an increase in required blood transfusions within emergency rooms have put the state in critical condition.

“30 percent of the blood comes from high schools and colleges, so when they are out, we have to fill that void,” she said. “As a lot of people are traveling, we need people to remember that you can’t manufacture blood. It is up to the community to ensure a safe and adequate supply of blood.”

Shearer said these donations save the lives of people within the community.

“One unit of blood, or one person, can save up to three lives through their whole blood donation,” she said. “That is powerful. There are not a whole lot of things you can do without having to write a check these days, so to be able to just raise your sleeve and about an hour of your time, and that blood is on the shelf for the people who need it.”

One of the lives saved was Vigo County Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard. He is hosting a blood drive this Wednesday and said there is no time like the present to become a donor.

“I would just encourage everybody, we have plenty of spots open and if you have ever thought about it, let’s do it now because they need your help,” he said.

Shearer said this is a way to give back to those who are fighting life’s toughest battles.

“Just one small pinch, and there are children who are battling leukemia who are being poked and prodded daily and they are recipients of that blood and that is powerful,” she said.

Commissioner Clinkenbeard’s blood drive will be held this Wednesday at the Vigo County Annex from 2-6 p. m. There will also be a blood drive this Thursday from 8:45-11 a. m. at the Knox County Health Department.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WANE 15.