The San Diego Blood Bank is short on all types of blood, mirroring a reduction of supply around the country, blood bank officials announced Monday.
Officials with the blood bank said they have only one day's supply of some blood types, when they should have more than one week's worth in storage.
"We're asking our community to help replenish our blood supply back to a safe level," said David Wellis, the San Diego Blood Bank's CEO.
"This summer is a particularly difficult challenge," Wellis said. "Supplies are low and the advent of Zika has worsened the challenge. There is no substitute for blood — donations are critically needed."
Inventories often decrease in the summer because regular donors go on vacation and most schools are out of session — while the need for blood remains constant.
National blood supply officials echoed San Diego's call for donations because of low inventory.
"Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply is critical to the nation's public health and a priority for the medical community," said Miriam Markowitz, CEO of the industry group AABB. "Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is indispensable and required in the treatment of millions of patients, including individuals with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, patients undergoing organ transplants and trauma victims."
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old — though 15- and 16-year- olds may donate with parental consent — weigh at least 114 pounds and be in general good health. Eligible blood donors can schedule an appointment by visiting www.SanDiegoBloodBank.org or calling (800) 469-7322.
