Over the past few months, the French Blood Establishment (EFS), which manages collections throughout France, has had to resolve, twice, to issue a “vital emergency bulletin” as the situation is severe. On the eve of the long holidays, when the need for blood products is very often greater than usual, stocks have never been so low. So much so that the authorities and health professionals fear not being able to meet the needs of hospitals and clinics.
“Blood stocks are at a historically low level”
“The level of blood reserves in France is historically low, notes Chanelle André, from the communication department of the EFS for the Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de Loire regions. Following an initial emergency call, we clearly observed an upsurge in visits to donation centers in June. But that was not enough to replenish stocks, hence this second vital emergency bulletin published on June 29…”
The French stock of blood products (mainly blood, plasma, platelets) has fallen to less than 90,000 bags. However, to cover the needs in this area, the EFS estimates that at least 110,000 bags are needed in reserve by mid-July. Hence the vital need, we repeat, to collect some 20,000 pockets in the space of a few weeks. Never has the effort required of donors been so crucial.
What are the consequences of a lack of blood as summer approaches?
“The consequences of this deficit are clear,” summarizes Chanelle André. The EFS absolutely needs regular blood donations throughout the month of July. It is quite possible if we take the right measure of the situation. At the end of June and the very beginning of July, for example, we noted an increase in donations, no doubt under the effect of a kind of awareness before heading for the holidays. We hope to be able to prolong this reaction. This shortage of blood products affects the whole of France.
It would take 225 donations per week in the Cher
In the Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de Loire region, for example, the EFS had, as of June 28, 9,278 bags in stock when it needed more than 10,000 to cover its needs. For the department of Cher alone, where some 2,200 patients were transfused in 2021, the EFS estimates that it would be necessary to reach 225 donations each week to regenerate its reserves.
“There is always a place to collect blood near your home”, therefore reminds the EFS to all donors. Those of the first hour as potential donors wishing to take the plunge, it’s now or never.
In the Cher, the Maison du don de sang is located at the Jacques Cœur Hospital Center in Bourges. We make an appointment on 02 48 48 49 02, or on dondesang.efs.sante.fr.
We will also inform you about the occasional collections organized at regular intervals, almost everywhere in the department. To become a blood donor, you must be between 18 and 70 years old (proof of identity is required), weigh at least 50 kg and, of course, be in good health.
Emmanuel Letreulle
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