Critical blood shortage

All blood donors needed now to help patients

There is a critical shortage of blood. Vitalant, which serves Northern California and Northern Nevada hospitals, had 21,000 fewer donations than needed over the holidays. The winter season is always a challenging time to collect blood due to many reasons, including the cold and flu season.

The Eastern Plumas Health Care Auxiliary is hosting a blood drive in Portola on Friday, Feb. 7, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Catholic Community Hall at 100 South Pine St.

More blood is going out than is coming in — and hospitals are anxiously trying to help patients.

“We strive to maintain a four-day supply of blood just to provide what patients need, and currently we’re at less than half that for certain blood types,” said Dr. Ralph Vassallo, chief medical officer at Vitalant. “Blood on the shelf helps patients every day — for traumas, cancer treatments, and critical transfusions — and enables us to be ready if disaster strikes.”

If you want to schedule an appointment for the Portola blood drive, visit www.BloodHero.com. Walk-ins are always welcome.

For more information or assistance with making an appointment, call Pandora Valle at 832-0347.