Blood is a gift that costs nothing and has the potential to save lives -- but despite the ease of donating, the Blood Bank of Alaska says it’s experiencing a critical shortage. The blood bank’s director of operations, Wes Dahlgren, says it’s experiencing a particularly acute shortage of type-O blood due to a holiday slump in donations, at a time when the need for donations is at its highest. While officials point to a rise in vehicle accidents from bad weather and icy roads as just one of several factors driving increased demand during the winter months, Dahlgren says many hospital procedures also call for it. "Blood transfusions can be used from anything from cancer patients to mothers giving birth to babies -- so it's a good way to start the New Year off right and come in and donate," Dahlgren said. Dahlgren says the blood bank’s current inventory is stable, but with blood needs constantly changing, the need remains high. Blood bank officials say donating blood takes less than an hour of a donor’s time, and has the potential to save or impact three lives. They say the facility serves 21 hospitals across the state and impacts tens of thousands of lives each year. Blood Bank officials encourage anyone interested in donating to contact them at 222-5600.
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