A Midtown healthcare agency is sounding the alarm about the dire situation surrounding the community’s blood supply. According to Kristin Paltzer, public relations manager for Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, 2,500 donors are needed every week to maintain a safe blood supply in the Hoosier State. “We’re facing a nationwide blood shortage, and the current inventory is the lowest it has been in a decade,” she said in a recent email. As a result, hospitals may not have the blood necessary to treat patients.
Headquartered at 3450 N. Meridian St., Versiti provides blood and blood products to 90 hospital partners throughout the state. Paltzer noted that donating blood is quick, painless, safe and helps save lives. The entire process takes about an hour, she said, with the actual donation taking about 10 – 15 minutes. Those interested in donating products like red cells, platelets and plasma can expect to spend more time in the facility, she added. “Donating blood is safe, and the donation process itself poses no risk of infecting a donor with coronavirus,” she said. Everyone entering a Versiti facility must wear a mask, have their temperature taken and practice social distancing.
Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements can donate. Parental consent is required for donors age 16. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-317-916-5150 or visit the Versiti website.
