A recent press release from Coffee Memorial Blood Center recently caught my eye. What got my attention wasn't the fact that there is a "desperate need for blood," since there usually is.

What got my attention is that Coffee Memorial has fallen below half of the needed blood supply. This has a big impact on local patients.

The Blood Supply Is Critically Low Pretty Much Everywhere

According to the press release, blood supply levels have been hovering at emergency levels for months. The release states that challenges created by Covid are the culprit.

The supply levels just have not been able to recover.

Blood Supply At Emergency Levels In The Texas Panhandle

In the press release they state that multiple cancellations of blood drives, along with weather events, have caused the blood supply level in the High Plains region to reach emergency levels.

The High Plains region’s supply has faced similar challenges, as well as blood drive cancellations after multiple winter weather events in February and March. Hospital demand has surged past pre-pandemic levels, exacerbating the issues caused by lower donation levels.

This situation has caused a dire and immediate need for donations.

Coffee Memorial Blood Center Extends Operating Hours

In order to combat the shortage, Coffee Memorial announced extended hours at their donor room. Hopefully this gives individuals a chance to donate, when they otherwise may not be able to.

The press release states that the new hours will be:

  • Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

To make an appointment you can go online to thegiftoflife.org, or call 877-340-8777.

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