LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas is facing a critical blood and platelet shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonprofit blood provider Vitalant is urging all eligible donors to make an appointment now.
Due to COVID-19, many blood drives have been canceled throughout Nevada and nationally.
Vitalant is in desperate need of Type O blood, which is the "most transfused blood type and is vital to helping patients in emergencies."
A spokesperson for Vitalant says its blood bank has decreased to under a two-day supply which is its lowest level since May 2020.
Vitalant serves about 900 hospitals nationwide, and they are also experiencing a platelet shortage.
According to the organization, "Platelets are tiny cells that help blood clots. They must be transfused within about a week of donation and about 50% of platelets are given to cancer patients undergoing treatment."
Vitalant Southern Nevada has three Blood Donation Locations, open daily:
Henderson – Green Valley: 601 Whitney Ranch Dr. Bldg. D, Ste 20
Las Vegas – Northwest: 4950 W. Craig Rd.
Las Vegas– West Charleston: 6930 W. Charleston Blvd.
