West Texas is Experiencing a Critical Blood and Platelet Shortage

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Vitalant, the only nonprofit blood provider for hospitals in West Texas, says that they are experiencing a critical shortage of blood and platelets.

Vitalant says that the COVID-19 pandemic has played a large role in the shortage, and they're spreading awareness about the need for blood donations.

Senior recruitment manager at Vitalant Brandon Baker said:

We do have a critical shortage for all blood types here in our West Texas area. It’s actually a critical shortage across the nation.
As things open back up, as more people are now able to do different elective surgeries and more hospitals are opening up. That means there are more procedures being done, more surgeries, and things like that. So blood can be used for any number of things, from traumatic accidents, surgeries, cancer therapy, and things like that. And the more hospitals are opening up, the more bloods need to be used.

Baker says that the donation process takes around 45 minutes from start to finish. There will be a quick questionnaire to determine the health of the donor, the donation process, and afterwards the donor will be provided a snack and drink before being sent off.

If you wish to donate, you can simply walk in to Vitalant, located at 2523 48th Street in Lubbock, or you can call 877-25-VITAL / (877-258-4825) to make an appointment.