Regional blood supplies dwindle, spurring call for donors

A drop in blood donations in the area is causing concern for blood banks.

Guy Triano, who directs donor recruitment for the American Red Cross in the region, said Tuesday the blood supply in the Philadelphia and New Jersey area is very low.

“We have just shy of a five-day supply on hand right now, and we always like to have a five-day supply at all times,” he said. “We’re under an emergency appeal right now for requesting all blood and platelet donors of all types to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.”

Triano said it’s difficult to keep up with the need of blood for hospital patients because vacation plans mean there are fewer donors than usual.

So far, the blood shortage has not meant cancelling surgeries.

“Not at the current time, but that’s why we’re going on an emergency need appeal because we anticipate that could happen,” he said. “And that’s why we’re asking people now to donate blood.”