EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has declared this year’s first blood emergency, putting out an urgent call for type O+ and O- blood donations.

In recent weeks, the number of donations has fallen “hundreds short” of what’s needed to meet hospital demand, according to RIBC. The organization said its type O inventory is currently the lowest it’s been since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The optimal blood supply is five to seven days, however, RIBC said the region right now only has a two- to three-day supply of types O+, O- and B-.

RIBC holds daily blood drives and operates the following donor centers:

Providence Donor Center

405 Promenade St.
Providence, R.I. 02908
(401) 453-8383

Warwick Donor Center

615 Greenwich Ave.
Warwick, R.I. 02886
(401) 453-8383

Aquidneck Donor Center

688 Aquidneck Ave.
Middletown, R.I. 02842
(401) 453-8383

South County Donor Center

14 Woodruff Ave.
Narragansett, R.I. 02882
(401) 453-8383

Woonsocket Donor Center

2168 Diamond Hill Road
Woonsocket, R.I. 02895
(401) 453-8383

Visit the RIBC website or call (401) 453-8383 to schedule an appointment.

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