What is the Current Blood Supply?
The current blood supply often falls short of the blood needs of patients in our local hospitals. Over 120 units of blood must be collected each day to keep up with patient demands. This demand intensifies during holiday periods when travel increases.
Blood products have an expiration date and therefore, it is required that the supply continuously be replenished. Blood donors can only donate every 56 days, but red blood cells expire in 42 days. Platelets have a 5-7 day shelf life, and plasma can be stored frozen for up to a year.
Nationwide, less than 10 percent of the eligible 37 percent of individuals actually donate blood which makes it difficult at times to have a sufficient supply.
We encourage everyone that is in good general health, 17 years of age or older, or are 16 years of age with a signed parental consent form for Georgia residents and at least 110 pounds to donate blood. You can help save the lives of patients in our local hospitals.
| Type | Target 3 Day | Current Inventory | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| O+ | 230 | 325 |  3 Day Supply |
| O- | 60 | 60 | 3 Day Supply |
| B+ | 65 |  Critical |
|
| B- | 15 | 3 |  Low |
| A+ | 190 | 529 | 3 Day Supply |
| A- | 35 | 112 | 3 Day Supply |
| AB+ | 20 | 99 | 3 Day Supply |
| AB- | 10 | 7 | Low |
Supply last updated: February 20th, 2008