Blood Shortages at Critical Level After Winter Storm

Atlanta Blood Services' Cobb facility is in need of blood and platelet donations due to loss of donations from the winter storm.

“Because people were unable to donate due to the storm, we are now at a critical shortage level,” said Carrie Cox, Executive Director of ABS.

"Hospital patients need us to be ready for emergencies, and to provide blood for cancer treatments and surgeries. Only blood donors can help us meet this need,” said Cox.

According to ABS, blood is already in short supply during winter months due to inclement weather, holiday schedules and illness. The shelf life of red blood cells is 42 days, while the shelf life for platelets is only five days.

The community donation center was founded in 1998 and serves the greater Atlanta area, providing blood components to local patients, including children, trauma victims, cancer and leukemia patients, and people undergoing bone marrow and stem cell transplant therapy.

The Cobb County facility at 220 Cobb Parkway North Suite #100 in Marietta will be open at the following times:

Tuesday, Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 19, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 20, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

ABS has also extended hours at its Northside Facility in Atlanta.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call Atlanta Blood Services at 404-459-8744.