DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - With elective surgeries back on the table, officials with Carter Blood Care say many hospitals could soon face a blood shortage.
While shelter in place orders were in effect, people were still allowed to donate blood. But Linda Goelzer, Carter Blood Care's Director of Public Relations, says the hospitals didn't need as much.
"The hospitals use (of blood) dropped significantly," Goelzer says. "Hospitals were down about 70 percent in their usage in the last month or so."
Meanwhile, donors were still giving.
"They're at home, they're tired of being at home. The want to get out and they know that blood donation is one of the things that's acceptable," Goelzer says. "We kind of fear that as things become more normal and people get back into their routines ... we're just a little concerned the donations are going to ease up."
At this point, Goelzer says hospitals already need more blood. And the blood donated in the last few months is reaching the end of its shelf life.
Goelzer is encouraging everyone to donate, if they can. If not, she's says it's possible hospitals will see the blood shortage very soon.
A blood drive is being held today at Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas. Goelzer says everyone is welcome to donate, but teens are especially encouraged to come out. With high school blood drives canceled, Goelzer says the blood bank is seriously lacking donations from young people.
Bishop Dunne is located at 3900Rugged Drive in Dallas.
For more information about safety precautions Carter Blood Care is taking to prevent spread of COVI-19, visit: carterbloodcare.org