COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Versiti Blood Center of Ohio issued an emergency appeal for blood donations as there is a "dangerously low" blood supply.

The center said certain blood types have less than a day's worth of availability, putting local patients at risk. Versiti recorded its lowest donation count of the year last week coming out of the holiday weekend as summer doantions plummet.

What You Need To Know

  • The center said certain blood types have less than a day's worth of availability, putting local patients at risk

  • All blood types are needed with O-positive and O-negative as the most in demand

  • Versiti said there have been unfilled appointments and a rise in no-shows and cancelleations while partner hospitals have required a significant amount of blood this past month 

  • According to Versiti, when blood inventory drops to this level it puts patients at risk with some hospitals forced to postpone surgeries or delay treatments

"We know summer is a challenging time for blood donation, and we plan for it every year, but what we see today is dire," said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti, in a news release. "Patients’ lives are at risk. If you are healthy and able, we are pleading with you to donate blood this week.”

All blood types are needed with O-positive and O-negative as the most in demand. While O-positive is the most common blood type, O-negative is a universal type that can be received by all patients.

Versiti said there have been unfilled appointments and a rise in no-shows and cancelleations while partner hospitals have required a significant amount of blood this past month for treatments.

"The demand for blood simply does not match the number of donors coming through our doors," said Waxman. "While we deeply appreciate our loyal donors who consistently show up, it's important to recognize that about 3% of people who are eligible to donate blood actually do. If it's been a while since your last donation or you're a first-time donor, we are excited to welcome you."

According to Versiti, when blood inventory drops to this level it puts patients at risk with some hospitals forced to postpone surgeries or delay treatments. The people most at risk are trauma victims from car accidents or shootings as their survival depends on a healthy blood inventory.

Other patients at risk include those undergoing organ transplants, battling cancer and mothers in labor as they could face treatment delays or complications.

Donating blood takes about one hour and anyone aged 16 or older in good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for 16-year-old donors. Donors need a photo ID with their birthdate on it.

The donor center is located at Mill Run Donation Center, 3830 Fishinger Blvd., in Hilliard. To schedule an appointment, call (800)-786-4483 or visit versiti.org.

There are also several community drives scheduled to help replenish the supply.

Community drives: