Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Earthquakes, Disasters

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UBS says blood supply is critical

Blood supplies don't usually get used up at a faster rate during a hurricane than they do at any other time. But there is almost always a serious shortage of blood during and after a hurricane, as there is right now at United Blood Services.

That's because the people who normally donate are busy with storm preparation, cleanup or evacuation.

"Some of the strongest donor groups are in Erath and Delcambre and they're the ones who are usually hardest hit," said Susan Begnaud, executive director of United Blood Services.

Blood drives, which normally bring in a good portion of donations, are often canceled, as they were in advance of hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

"Another thing that hit us hard and will hit again this week," Begnaud said, "we have five locations - Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Thibodaux, Slidell and Morgan City, which have been greatly affected by the storms."

It takes a steady stream of donations - about 200 pints a day - to keep up with local needs. That dwindled to less than 100 pints a day in the past 10 days.

Although blood drives have been canceled last week, the UBS donor center has been open. Drives scheduled for the coming week will be held, if the facilities holding them are open, Begnaud said.

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