Low blood supply prompts state officials, medical provider to ask for more donors

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Connecticut Blood Bank Center declared its first blood emergency of the year amid the summer "trauma season." The center says there is an urgent need for type O+ and O- blood donations. Dr. Jake Jacob, Blood Bank director at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, says its hospital supply is in good standing but in general, if worse comes to worst, clinics would have to resort to providing compatible blood. "If we do not have the most compatible, we run the risk of transfusion reaction," explained Dr. Jacob, "Trying to be as diligent as possible when it comes to doling out blood products." Dr. Bradford Sherburne, medical director of Clinical Laboratories at Hartford Hospital mentioned 3% of people donate blood but 62% of people are able to donate. In a press conference in Hartford, Lt. Governor Susan Bieniewicz urged, "Do something to help other people and need and give the gift of life and that is a blood donation." Appointments to donate can be made by calling: 800-283-8385 or click here . "