SCBC Asking Individuals to Give Blood to Overcome Critical Blood Shortage You can Help !

Southeastern Community Blood Center is making an emergency plea for blood donors, as inventory levels for blood have hit all time lows for the second straight week. Although the supply of O Positive blood seems to be suffering the most, SCBC is currently experiencing a shortage of every type of blood.
SCBC is accustomed to inventory levels of blood dropping throughout the summer months; however, this year, blood inventory levels for the center have dipped exceptionally low. When summer hits, regular donors take vacations and college students flee the town for the season, causing a seemingly impossible challenge to maintain an adequate supply of blood.
"Due to a significant drop in local blood donations and in order to avoid delaying scheduled surgeries, SCBC has implemented their emergency plan of importing blood from "sister" blood centers," said Jeanne Dariotis, SCBC CEO in Tallahassee. "It is extremely difficult to maintain the blood supply inventory in critical times like these – without participation and blood donations from individuals within the community."
Individuals interested in helping to fight the summer shortage can donate at the Marianna SCBC at 2503 Commercial Park Drive (526-4403) or can visit an SCBC bloodmobile in their area (see www.scbcinfo.org for blood drive schedules).
Donating is a simple procedure. To be a donor, individuals have to be in good health, at least 17 years old (16 years old with a parent’s permission) and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.
According to SCBC, less than 5 percent of the eligible population actually donates blood. For more information, contact SCBC at (850) 877-7181, (800) 722-2218 or visit its Web site www.scbcinfo.org. All locations are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The Riggins Road location is also open on Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Southeastern Community Blood Center is a nonprofit and the only blood center providing blood to families in 26 counties in North Florida and South Georgia.