Boston Blood Center Faces Critical Shortage, Calls for Donors

Boston health officials have issued an emergency appeal for blood donations. A critical blood shortage is affecting the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, which serves the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Stephanie Ferrara, the nurse director of the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, told 7 NEWS Boston that the shortage threatens cancer patients and other severely ill patients who rely on transfusions. Ferrara noted she has not experienced a critical shortage like this outside a major trauma event.

Exacerbating the problem at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center is a national collection shortage of more than 12,000 units of red blood cells and 700 units of platelets. Officials attribute the shortage to winter storm-related blood drive closures and flight disruptions.

According to 7 NEWS Boston, platelets have a five-day shelf life and cannot be manufactured, underscoring the urgency for continued blood donations.

To donate blood, look for information available on the Brigham and Women's Hospital blood donation center webpage.