AUGUSTA, Ga. – There is an urgent need for blood donors right now.

Shepeard Blood Center, the only contracted local blood provider for 21 area hospitals from Barnwell, SC to Baxley, GA, needs blood donors to help meet the needs of our area’s most fragile patients. Locally, there is less than a 1 day supply of type “O negative” blood and less than a 3 day supply of type “O positive” blood on the shelves.  The blood must be donated, processed and on the shelf before it is needed. All blood types are in demand right now.

The urgent need for blood is the result of INCREASED PATIENT USE IN OUR 21 CONTRACTED HOSPITALS.  Patients in our local hospitals are waiting for blood. Many cancer and surgical patients are awaiting life-saving procedures until the urgent need for blood is met.