Local hospitals experiencing blood shortage

Angelique Flores

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Local hospitals are feeling parched from Southern

California’s blood supply drought.

So far, one elective surgery at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in

Huntington Beach has been canceled because of a major deficiency in Type

O and B positive. The hospital, which contracts with the American Red

Cross, has turned to another blood supplier, Hemocare, for help. But

Hemocare’s supplies are also depleted, said Elene Levin, spokeswoman for

Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center.

“Blood is used only in extremely serious emergencies,” Levin said.

Huntington Beach Hospital also is feeling the effects of the shortage,

primarily in its Type O blood supplies.

Meanwhile, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, which

has a bloodless medicine program, has had no problems with blood supply.

“This is an extreme situation,” said Rebecca Long, spokeswoman from the

Orange County chapter of the American Red Cross.

Though the need for donations has not increased, the amount of donors has

markedly decreased. The blood banks need all types of blood, and they

have completely run out of Type O negative and positive and Type B

negative and positive, Long said.

“This is an extremely low amount of blood to keep in stock,” Long said

said.

A shortage in blood usually occurs in the winter and lasts through

February, as donors become busy with the holidays and travel. However,

this season has seen an unusually low supply.

In addition, blood use typically increases in early January, when more

patients schedule elective surgeries.

Until donors can pull blood banks out of the drought, hospitals are

rationing the blood they have and are using it only in emergencies.

To donate, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old

and in good health. Appointments can be scheduled by calling

(714)569-2600.

Through Jan. 31, all Orange County Blood Services donors will be awarded

a new mom-and-baby panda design T-shirt, commemorating the “pint-sized

miracle” Hua Mei, born recently at the San Diego Zoo. Blood drive

participants can also enter to win a pair of ski lift tickets to Bear

Mountain and a Samsung digital video disc player.