United Blood Services’ blood inventory level has been trending at an approximate two-day supply for patients, which is half of the ideal quantity needed to provide a safe and available blood inventory.

Supplies are projected to be at least 4,700 pints below required inventory levels. That’s the equivalent of more than 14,000 lives that could be saved.

United Blood Services has issued a critical public appeal urgently encouraging blood donors of all types to give blood now. The agency’s service area includes Lake Tahoe; it ranges from San Francisco to the west through Northern Nevada in the east, to the Oregon border and south to Merced.

Hospital demand for blood has also increased significantly this year. Compared to last July, approximately 500 more pints of red blood cells are projected to be in demand from hospitals this July.

To schedule a donation appointment, call 800.696.4484.