Dak Minn Blood Bank Holds 3-Hour Emergency Drive as Type O Shortage Deepens
Updated
Updated · Grand Forks Herald · Aug 3
Dak Minn Blood Bank Holds 3-Hour Emergency Drive as Type O Shortage Deepens
2 articles · Updated · Grand Forks Herald · Aug 3
Summary
Wednesday’s emergency blood drive at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks will run from noon to 3 p.m., with walk-in donations accepted from all blood types.
Dak Minn said the event was triggered by a nationwide shortage that has left blood suppliers unable to send backup units, while local demand has risen for routine care and unexpected emergencies.
Type O positive is in critical shortage, and the Red Cross said national donations this summer fell to a four-year low, leaving it with less than a one-day supply of that blood type.
Heat, poor air quality, foodborne illnesses and the usual summer drop in donor participation have cut turnout, even as blood is needed for trauma cases, surgeries, cancer treatment and other serious conditions.
The drive follows a similar event at Grand Forks Air Force Base last week that drew more than 50 donors, underscoring a broader crisis the Red Cross has called only its second-ever national blood supply emergency.