The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued a Code Red Alert for blood. Chris Pilgrim is spokesman for the CBCO.
"Our inventory levels are at a point right now where we have reached a critical level on most types, so it's rare for a Code Red Alert to be issued, it doesn't happen very often, but what it means is we've got less than a one-day supply in reserve for patients at the 38 hospitals CBCO donors serve," he said.
He says such a low blood supply could lead to the cancelation of elective surgeries and having to import blood from other parts of the country if donors don't step up to help.
According to Pilgrim, the low supply is likely due to long holiday breaks for some area employees and the closing of area schools for the holidays.
In response to the need for blood, CBCO's Springfield donor centers will extend their hours today and tomorrow (1/8-1/9). They'll be open from 7 am to 7 pm. The Thomson Center on Plainview Rd. will also be open Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm.
To find out how to donate, click here.
