INDIANAPOLIS — Right now, Indiana is experiencing a severe blood shortage.
Versiti Blood Center of Indiana has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations.
All blood types are needed, with O-positive and O-negative being the most in demand.
"The demand for blood simply does not match the number of donors coming through our doors," said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti. "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."
You can schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 317-916-5150 or visit versiti.org.
Walk-in donors are also welcome at the following locations:
- Indianapolis: 3450 N. Meridian St.
- Fishers: 11005 Allisonville Road
- Carmel: 726 Adams St., Suite 150
- Greenwood: 8739 U.S. 31 South
- Terre Haute: 2021 S. Third St.
- Lafayette: 2200 Elmwood Ave., Suite D-16
"We know summer is a challenging time for blood donation, and we plan for it every year, but what we see today is dire," Waxman said. "Patients’ lives are at risk. If you are healthy and able, we are pleading with you to donate blood this week.”
According to Versiti, donating blood takes about an hour.
Anyone ages 16 and older, who is in good health and meets eligibility requirements, is encouraged to donate. Parental consent is required for donors who are 16 years old.
Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.