Austin's blood bank seeks donations amid nationwide shortage

Zoom in: For months, the Austin area has faced a "perfect storm" leading to blood shortages, said We Are Blood spokesperson Nick Canedo.

• A population boom, holiday travel and the Omicron variant are among a variety of factors that have led to a significant decrease in local blood donations, Canedo said.
• "We are experiencing a very, very dire blood donation shortage," Canedo added.

Appointments have recently increased as news of the shortage spreads, but Canedo said the shortages are part of a new normal.

• "Commit to thinking about becoming a regular blood donor because that's how we'll build up this community supply to meet that need that's going to be just a new normal in our community for how much blood transfusions are required," Canedo said.

We Are Blood is the sole supplier of donations to more than 40 hospitals and clinics within Central Texas.

• Book an appointment at weareblood.com.
• Read more about eligibility for blood donations here.