DAYTON, Ohio –Solvita Blood Center is facing a critical shortage of type O blood and is -asking for the support of all donors to help stockpile the blood supply in advance of the April 8 solar eclipse.
There is an urgent and immediate need for type O and B negative. The emergency shortage comes as Solvita, and area hospitals are asking the community to help stockpile blood prior to the eclipse due to the expected disruptions in blood collection and transportation.
Schedule an appointment to donate on the Donor Time app, by calling (937) 461-3220, or at www.donortime.com. Walk-ins are welcome at the Solvita Dayton Center, 340 S. Main St.
Solvita normally averages seven to eight mobile blood drives per day but only two are scheduled for April 8. The Solvita Dayton Center at 349 S. Main St. will operate under normal hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 8.
“We are asking donors to help us overcome this emergency shortage and be prepared for troubles related to the eclipse,” said Solvita Vice President for Donor Services Tracy Morgan. “All eyes will be on the eclipse Monday, but we must turn the attention of our community to the ongoing need for blood.”
Everyone who registers to donate with Solvita April 1-8 will receive Solar Eclipse glasses as a donor gift, while supplies last. Donors who post photos wearing eclipse glasses on social media and tag Solvita are entered into a drawing for a $1,000 e-gift card. Registered donors also receive a Solvita umbrella.
You can save time while helping save lives by using “DonorXPress” to complete the donor questionnaire before arriving at a blood drive. Find DonorXPress on the Donor Time App or at www.solvita.org/donorxpress.