Alaska hospitals need blood.

There’s a critical need for local hospitals, and the Blood Bank of Alaska is encouraging donors to schedule an appointment to help patients in need.

“Our donors are amazing and help save lives each day. We are currently in critical need for several blood types such as O Negative and O Positive,” said Bob Scanlon, CEO of the Blood Bank of Alaska in a press release.

[Blood Bank of Alaska opens permanent Juneau location]

On average, 100 donors a day are needed to ensure that Alaska hospitals are supplied with life-saving blood and blood products.

There is no substitute for blood when it is needed, Scanlon said.

Over 15,000 Alaskans donate blood each year to help fellow community members. These donations help a range of patients including people fighting leukemia and other cancers, trauma victims and mothers that suffer complications during child birth.

Blood Bank of Alaska is proudly celebrating 57 years of service helping patients in need, Scanlon said.

“Save a life and donate blood, you can make a difference,” he said in the press release.

Currently none of the blood from the BBA is used in Juneau, Scanlon said previously to the Empire. Bartlett Regional Hospital receives blood from the Lower 48. But, BBA supplies blood to 21 different hospitals throughout Alaska and to the military. Medical centers in bush Alaska always receive Type O negative blood, the universal donor, to guarantee that all residents can receive care, he said.

Blood Bank of Alaska has five centers in four cities, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla and the recently opened Juneau location.

The BBA is located in suite 236 of the Jordan Creek Mall at 3800 Glacier Hwy.

Schedule a donation appointment by calling 907-222-5630 or visit bloodbankofalaska.org.

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• Contact reporter Mollie Barnes at mbarnes@juneauempire.com.

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