Donors urgently needed as inventory drops below a two-day supply as hospitals navigate peak summer trauma season
RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has declared a blood emergency as the region’s blood supply falls below a two-day inventory, well below the level needed to meet routine and emergency patient needs. The emergency comes as blood centers across the country report critically low inventories amid a broader national blood shortage.
America’s Blood Centers recently issued a national statement warning that blood supplies have fallen to dangerously low levels in many regions, increasing concern about the nation’s ability to meet routine and emergency patient needs.
Locally, the shortage has been intensified by the seasonal challenges of summer. School breaks, vacations, holiday travel and changing routines reduce donations while hospitals continue treating trauma patients, cancer patients, surgical patients and others who rely on blood every day. As hospitals enter the height of summer trauma season, the need for lifesaving blood transfusions continues to grow.
“Our job is to make sure hospitals have the blood they need before patients arrive – not after,” said Hunter Shaffer, Vice President of Operations at Rhode Island Blood Center. “With blood supplies under pressure here and across much of the country, there’s very little flexibility when inventories fall this low. We’re asking everyone who’s eligible to donate now so blood is available for the next trauma patient, the next surgery and every patient whose care depends on a lifesaving transfusion.”
A healthy blood supply typically ranges from five to seven days. With inventory now below two days, hospitals have far less flexibility to respond to both routine patient needs and unexpected emergencies. Trauma patients alone may require dozens of units of blood within minutes, making every blood donation critical.
At hospitals like Brown University Health, clinicians see firsthand how quickly blood is needed in life-threatening situations.
“Blood is one of the few medical treatments that cannot be manufactured or replaced, and when a patient needs it, they can’t wait,” said Sarah Frost, Chief of Hospital Operations at Brown University Health and President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s. “A stable blood supply allows us to provide lifesaving care without delay. Right now, that supply is critically low, and every blood donation can make a lifesaving difference.
Rhode Island Blood Center is urging all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors up to twice each month. Recent FDA eligibility updates also mean more people than ever may now be eligible to donate.
To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit ribc.org or call 401.453.8383.
Donors visiting RIBC donation locations may notice a new digital registration process. Digital health history and donor intake forms have been introduced to streamline registration while maintaining the highest safety and regulatory standards. As we transition to the new system, donors may experience longer-than-usual wait times. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide a more efficient donation experience.
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About Rhode Island Blood Center
Founded in 1979, Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has served Rhode Island and the New England area for more than 45 years, delivering more than 90,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. RIBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. RIBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ribc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.