APPLETON (NBC 26) -- Due to coronavirus concerns, the Community Blood Center said more than 30 local blood drives have been canceled in the past week.
The Community Blood Center said the cancellations result in more than 700 units of blood that it will no longer have to distribute to partnering hospitals. In a typical week, the Community Blood Center needs 1,000 blood donors to meet the transfusion requirements of hospital partners.
The Community Blood Center is seeking to create “pop up donor centers” in various communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin, including Appleton, Neenah, Waupaca and Oshkosh. As these locations are confirmed, donors can schedule appointments on The Community Blood Center website.
Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days and platelets only five days, the Community Blood Center said in a statement. It is crucial blood continues to be collected to ensure a reliable supply for patients who count on transfusions for treatments.
COVID-19 poses no known infectious risk to patients receiving blood transfusions, the Community Blood Center said.
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