SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow) — Hospitals nationwide are facing critical blood shortages, but Spencer Hospital says the shortage has not yet affected patient care locally.
LifeServe Blood Center says donations have fallen well below expected levels this summer, creating a significant strain on the blood supply.
Rebecca Peters of Spencer Hospital says the shortage is being felt across the country and throughout the LifeServe service area.
Despite the shortages, Peters says Spencer Hospital currently has enough blood on hand to meet patient needs.
Peters says hospital staff are monitoring the situation closely but have not had to implement blood conservation measures or change normal operations.
LifeServe officials warn that if donations do not increase, hospitals could eventually face difficult decisions regarding treatments and surgeries. The blood center reports it is approximately 2,500 units behind expected collection levels for July.
Peters says residents can help by giving blood at one of several upcoming donation opportunities in the area.
Appointments can be scheduled through LifeServe Blood Center at lifeservebloodcenter.org.
