Shepeard Blood Center in critical need of donors to supply local hospitals

Shepeard Community Blood Center is experiencing a serious shortage of blood products and has issued a critical appeal for donors. The CSRA’s local blood center is in critical need of all blood types, but especially O Positive and O Negative. At this time, there is not enough blood on the shelves to send to local hospitals in case of emergency.

Shepeard has been dealing with a nationwide blood shortage since COVID-19 cases first started appearing in March 2020. Due to the severity of this shortage, Shepeard cannot call on other blood centers across the country for help. The CSRA’s blood supply is supported strictly by the donations of volunteer blood donors.

Shepeard supplies blood to several local hospitals, including Augusta University Health and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. When you donate with Shepeard, you really are donating local. Your donations go to help patients in need in your community, and every blood donation can save up to three lives.

Shepeard is asking for local blood donations to end this shortage. The summer months are notoriously slow for blood centers, and Shepeard is concerned about what this blood shortage means for the community.

“There are no words to express how important it is to donate blood regularly,” said Ashley Whitaker, director of community resources at Shepeard Community Blood Center. “Patients at our local hospitals need your donations. Donating blood is quick and easy, and makes a huge positive impact on our community.”

As a reminder, donors must be in good general health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (or 16 with written parental consent). Be sure to bring a photo ID or Shepeard donor card when you come to donate.

Call Shepeard at 706-737-4551 if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.