Patient Care at Risk, Versiti Blood Center of Ohio Issues Plea for Donors

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 8, 2024 — Versiti Blood Center of Ohio is facing a critical blood shortage, issuing an urgent appeal for donations. The blood supply is so low that some blood types have less than a day’s worth available, putting local patients’ lives in jeopardy. Summer donation levels have dropped significantly, reaching a critical low last week following the holiday weekend.

All blood types are urgently needed, with O-positive and O-negative being the most in demand. O-positive is the most common blood type, while O-negative is the universal type, safe for all patients in emergencies when their blood type is unknown.

“We are aware that summer is a challenging time for blood donation, and we plan for it annually, but the situation today is dire,” said Dr. Dan Waxman, Versiti’s vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director. “Patients’ lives are at risk. We are urgently pleading for anyone who is healthy and able to donate blood this week.”

In addition to unfulfilled appointments and a rise in cancellations and no-shows, Versiti’s partner hospitals have required a substantial volume of blood in the past month to support organ transplant procedures and other trauma cases.

“The demand for blood simply outpaces the number of donors coming to our centers,” added Waxman. “We are deeply grateful to our loyal donors who consistently donate, but it’s essential to recognize that only about 3 percent of eligible people donate blood. If you haven’t donated recently or are a first-time donor, we welcome you to join us.”

What happens if blood is not available for patients?

• When the local blood inventory reaches a critically low level, it jeopardizes the health and safety of patients who rely on life-saving blood transfusions. In some instances, hospitals are forced to postpone surgeries or delay critical treatments.
• Trauma victims from car accidents or shootings are at the highest risk, as their survival often hinges on a healthy blood supply. If these types of incidents occur in the coming days, we might lack the blood needed to keep them alive.
• Patients undergoing organ transplants and battling cancer, and even mothers in labor, could experience treatment delays or complications due to a limited blood supply.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call (800) 485-6594 or visit Walk-in donors are also welcome.

Donor center location:

• Mill Run Donation Center: 3830 Fishinger Blvd., Hilliard, OH 43026.

Community drives:

• 7/8:  (6766 Pontius Rd, Groveport OH 43125)
• 7/9:  (212 Kenny Rd Columbus OH 43210)
• 7/9:  (181 Taylor Ave, Columbus, OH 43210)
• 7/11:  (5555 Glendon Court, Dublin, OH 43016)
• 7/12:  (4621 Lyman Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026)
• Multiple July Dates:  (452 West 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210)

Donating blood typically takes about an hour. Anyone aged 16 or older who is in good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors aged 16 to donate blood. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.

About Versiti Blood Center of Ohio

Based in Columbus, Versiti Blood Center of Ohio provides blood, blood products and specialty laboratory services to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The Wexner Medical Center is a leading hospital system with a nationally recognized hematology division, the Midwest’s largest cancer hospital and the only academic medical center in the region. The health system uses more than 60,000 lifesaving units of blood products every year. Versiti Blood Center of Ohio schedules community blood drives in the Columbus area to support The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center blood needs. For a complete listing of upcoming drives or to host a blood drive, visit  or call 800-485-6594.

SOURCE Versiti Blood Center of Ohio