According to a release from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, blood supplies are running out due to donors staying away in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are urging citizens to donate at this time of tremendous need,” said Marisa Marques, director of Transfusion Services at the UAB hospital.

“Donating blood is a safe process, and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood. If you are healthy, feeling well, and eligible to give blood or platelets, please make an appointment to donate,” advised Marla Troughton, M.D., medical director of the Alabama Region of the American Red Cross.

Young people are especially urged to donate. Those under 30 are not at high risk from the coronavirus and are not likely to become carriers driving to and from a blood donation center.

Red Cross blood donation centers offer snacks that are available for free to donors.

Dr. Scott Harris, head of the Alabama Department of Public Health, said on Monday that a blood donation was a worthy reason to leave the house.

UAB Dr. William Curry said on Tuesday that his hospital is “currently facing a blood shortage because people aren’t leaving their homes to donate.”

Blood transfusions are used in surgery, transplantation, trauma care, difficult pregnancies and cancer treatment, according to UAB.

A number of federal agencies are urging healthy donors to consider a blood donation.

UAB says they are “one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by the Red Cross.”

Alabamians can find their nearest Red Cross donation center here.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.