Nationwide shortage prompts Mercy Health blood drive

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A nationwide blood shortage is prompting Mercy Health to hold a blood drive next week.

While many Americans are eligible, only 3% actually donate blood.

The process takes about 45 minutes to complete.

With the busy holiday weekend, health officials say they typically see an increase in trauma cases at local hospitals. That’s why they’re asking for the community to step up and donate.

“Laboratories and blood banks can never increase their inventory ahead of time due to the fact that blood and blood products have an expiration date. For instance, platelets are only good for three days after receipt in lab. A unit of blood has about a four to five-week shelf life. So we have no ability to increase the inventory,” said Alison Kovach, director of laboratory services for Mercy Health.

The blood drive is Thursday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Hospital in Warren.

You can register on the Red Cross website with the sponsor code: MERCY HEALTH.

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