Blood shortage looms as summer demand surges
JOPLIN, Mo. — We're in the midst of the '100 Deadliest Days of Summer' a time when the demand for a life-saving donation spikes – but the supply drops.
'Do something for my fellow man,' said Phyllis Petty, blood donor.
She says living in a volatile world makes her feel compelled to do something.
'You know, I feel like God blessed me with good health, and I might as well pass it on to someone else,' said Petty.
Donations like hers could end up at one of 43 hospitals served by the Community Blood Centers of the Ozarks, like Freeman Health System in Joplin, where it'll be used by someone like Dr. Brock Carney.
'Summer months are busier, because of trauma,' said Dr. Carney.
That's because:
'Accidents tend to happen in the summer.'
Dr. Carney says that at Freeman alone, they average about 540 units of blood.
'We see quite a bit of blunt trauma, mostly, car accidents, falls, but also gunshot wounds, stab wounds, any kind of trauma, really, can cause hemorrhagic shock.'
Meaning the need for a blood transfusion. Sometimes, they'll have to use what he calls a 'massive transfusion protocol.'
'Which means they need more than ten units of blood products in a 24-hour period,' said Dr. Carney.
But there's a problem.
'We collect 40% of blood donations from high school and college students,' said Michelle Teter, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks.
And during the '100 Deadliest Days' the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when schools are out – demand for those donations spikes.
'So, it's kind of a little perfect storm that creates the problem,' said Teter.
The CBCO collects roughly 200 units of blood a day from 4 donor centers and 5 to 7 mobile blood drives.Each person can donate one unit of blood; that has a shelf life of 42 days.
'And a person can donate every 56 days. You see the gap there, so that's why it's a constant need,' said Teter.
A need that can become even more desperate in an emergency.
'Last month, one hospital alone used 200 units over a weekend.'
A blood donation takes about an hour and can save up to three lives. Something Phyllis knows firsthand.
'My husband sadly isn't with me anymore, but he required several donations, and maybe he got some of mine. We never know,' said Petty.
To help meet the summer demand CBCO runs several promotional campaigns like getting tickets to see the Springfield Cardinals in exchange for your donation.
You can make a donation at their Joplin facility at 2318 E 32nd Street.
You can learn more about their campaigns here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow review 2025: Soothing neck support for side and back sleepers
The Tempur-Neck stands out from most other bed pillows on the market thanks to its unique design, which follows the natural curve of the neck and head. It's designed for back and side sleepers in particular, and comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) so you can pick the one best suited to your sleep position and body shape. Type: Tempur material (foam)Best for: Side and back sleepersSizes: Small (20" x 12.5" x 3.5"), medium (20" x 12.5" x 4") and large (20" x 12.5" x 4.75")Trial: N/AWarranty: 5-year limitedPrice: From $119 MSRP at Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Pedic mattresses are hugely popular, and the brand has used its signature pressure-relieving Tempur-Material (essentially high-end memory foam), which is both firm yet comfortable, in this best-selling pillow. We felt it strikes the right balance between sturdy support and cushioning comfort — which can help minimize the risk of exacerbating any existing conditions. As a combination sleeper, our tester found the Tempur-Neck to be the most comfortable when lying on her back. This way, her neck felt instant pressure relief that she described as being akin what she'd feel after a neck massage at a spa. She slept on the pillow for over two weeks and was comfortable all night long, never waking up with aches or pains. She even felt that it reduced any muscle tension she experienced. In addition to sleeping on it during the testing period, we also put the Tempur-Neck pillow through other performance tests (more on that below) in which it scored well. Overall, we rate the Tempur-Neck a 4 out of 5 stars considering the various parameters like comfort, support, temperature regulation and durability. Keep reading to find out more… In terms of the cost, Tempur-Pedic pillows are not exactly budget purchases in comparison to some of the other best pillows out there. At MSRP, the Tempur-Neck retails at $119 for a small size, $129 for a medium and $159 for a large, and is in the mid-range bracket for the brand (their most expensive pillow, the Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow, starts from $199 for queen when at full price). However, you can snag excellent deals on the pillow during Tempur-Pedic sales. These don't come around as regularly as you'll find at other sleep brands, but when they do, particularly around events like Black Friday and Memorial Day, you'll find that you could save up to 50% or more. The brand also occasionally runs 'buy one get one free' sales, which is the perfect time to stock up on two of your favorite Tempur-Pedic pillows, letting you sleep better for less. Two pillows that are similar to the Tempur-Neck in terms of design and functionality are the Nest Bedding Easy Breather (from $119) and the Sleep Number NaturalFit Ultimate (from $169 to $199) — the first at a similar set of price points and the second coming in a little more expensive. Tempur-Neck pillow: from $119 at Tempur-PedicThe Tempur-Neck pillow is available in three sizes: small, medium and large. A small is priced at $119, a medium at $129 and a large pillow is $159. This price includes a 5-year warranty and free shipping. While the Tempur-Neck is currently full price for a single pillow, you will get 30% off when you buy two. The Tempur-Neck is comprised of a single block of the brand's signature Tempur-Material. Described as having an 'extra firm feel' it is designed specifically for back and side sleepers, delivering pressure relief and relaxing your muscles while still keeping them supported. Unlike regular bed pillows, you don't have to spend your time and effort adjusting the Tempur-Neck to contour your neck and shoulders, since its design follows the natural curvature of your neck and head. As such, it's designed to always give solid support to your neck, without ever compromising on neutral spinal alignment, whether you're sleeping on your side or your back. You can choose between the three sizes, and Tempur-Pedic even provide a handy chart and instructions on the pillow's product page so you can find the ideal Tempur-Neck for your body type. The Tempur-Material is encased in a hypoallergenic knit cover made from 100% polyester, and handily it's both removable and machine washable. Hot sleeper? You have the option of upgrading your Tempur-Neck to include cooling technology, in the form of heat-wicking cooling yarns woven into the breathable cover. This costs $20, but if sleeping hot is a big problem for you we'd recommend a dedicated cooling pillow such as the Casper Hybrid with Snow Technology. That's the basics covered, so now let's take a closer look at how the Tempur-Neck fared across a range of specific performance parameters. This will help you make an informed decision on whether the Tempur-Neck will work for your sleeping style and needs. The Tempur-Neck is one of the few pillows we've found that does not require any additional steps to be set up fully. It arrives in a fuss-free cardboard box, wrapped in plastic film. You don't have to wait for it expand or adjust the loft or firmness by adding or removing fill. Simply tear the plastic off and it's all ready to be slept on. Score: 5 out of 5 I found the Tempur-Neck largely delivered on what it claims. I'm a combination sleeper (side and back) and I specifically loved the instant pressure relief of the foam, which mimics the soothing relaxation of a neck massage or spa. It is on the firmer side and hence is suitable for anyone who needs that extra sturdy support to keep their neck aligned or to reduce the risk of worsening their aches or pains. To test its comfort and support, we put it through a sink-in test by placing a kettlebell weighing 10lb (roughly the average weight of an adult head) on the pillow and leaving it for 5 minutes. As soon as we removed the kettlebell, the foam sprung right back up without even a dent to show that a weight had been placed on it. I also found the Tempur-Neck to be most comfortable for back sleeping since this truly gave my neck and shoulders the feeling that tension was melting away. Since I tend to prefer a pillow with a softer feel and do not particularly suffer from neck aches or shoulder pains, I found the curved design to be slightly distracting after a week. Similarly, if you're someone who wants a pillow that conforms to your neck and head, giving you a cradling effect (like you're sleeping on a cloud), the Tempur-Neck might not work as an everyday pillow. Score: 4 out of 5 Apart from the optional cooling upgrade, the Tempur-Neck doesn't include any cooling features. Since it is made from a type of memory foam (which is known to trap heat), we expected it to cause overheating, but this never happened while testing the Tempur-Neck, although it should be noted that the reviewer is not a hot-sleeper. I was sleeping on the Emma Hybrid Airgrid mattress and used an ordinary department store microfiber duvet during the Tempur-Neck testing period. The knit cover which wraps the Tempur-Neck, however, is not a light breathable material of the type you might find on other pillows. If you're a hot sleeper, you'd be advised to opt for the cooling upgrade or to go for the Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling pillow, which comes in a breathable cotton cover with cooling gel on either side. Score: 4 out of 5 A pillow may be comfy enough to sleep on but is it easy to clean? This is why we consider maintenance and durability to be key factors when judging the performance of a pillow. Tempur-Pedic is a popular mattress and bedding brand in the US and one of the reasons why it's so well-regarded is its consistent quality. Compared with other memory foam pillows, the Tempur-Neck does not sag or require any fluffing to maintain its shape, comfort and support. Score: 5 out of 5 As per Tempur-Pedic's care guidelines, only the outer cover is removable and can be washed and dried on a cold setting. Air-drying is recommended. Tempur-Pedic also suggests that you should avoid over-drying it or using chlorine or harsh products for cleaning. Score: 4 out of 5 The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck definitely lives up to the expectations. Finding a pillow that strikes the perfect balance of comfort and support is a tricky task for those struggling with neck pains or shoulder aches, and the last thing you need is a pillow that's either too soft or too firm and increases the risk of worsening the pain. If this sounds familiar to you, we believe that Tempur-Neck would be a good choice thanks to its ergonomic curved design and it's firm but instantly pressure relieving Tempur-material. While it's not one of Tempur's most affordable pillows, it sits around the middle of the Tempur-Pedic price range. Temperature control clearly isn't the Tempur-Neck's priority, and this is surely where it falls down compared with similarly-designed pillows such as the Nest Bedding Easy Breather and the Sleep Number NaturaFit Ultimate. The curved shape and the extra firmness also makes it an unsuitable option for stomach sleepers who require a low-loft model or one with a customizable fill like the Coop Home Goods Original pillow. ✅You suffer from neck pains or aches: The Tempur-Neck provides the right combination of cushioning and firm support to soothe any aches or pains. ✅You're a back or side sleeper: The ergonomic design follows the natural curve of the neck and is therefore perfect for side and back sleepers. ✅You need instant pressure relief for your neck: The Tempur-Material used in the pillow gives you instant relaxation which melts away the built-up tension in your neck and shoulder muscles. ❌You prefer a softer pillow: Tempur-Neck is the firmest Tempur-Pedic pillow and its cushioning won't appeal to sleepers who need a fluffy or plush model. ❌You need a more affordable pillow: Tempur-Pedic pillows are not exactly cheap compared to more budget-friendly options in the market. ❌No sleep trial included: Unlike most brands, Tempur-Pedic does not provide a sleep trial or returns for its pillows. Extra benefits are limited to a 5-year warranty and free shipping. 1. Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow: was $119 from $99 at Nest BeddingThis pillow with a similar curved design as the Tempur-Neck, is perfect for side sleepers who like a more softer feel to their headrest. Crafted from a blend of CertiPUR-US certified foam and polyester fiber, the Easy Breather provides plush comfort and contouring in addition to a breathable knit cotton cover for cool sleep (read the full review on the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow for more details). You can now get this at $20 off which takes the price down from $119 to just $99. Extra benefits include a 2-year warranty and 30 night sleep trial. 2. Sleep Number NaturalFit Ultimate Pillow: was $189.99 from $151.99 at Sleep NumberThe NaturalFit is an adjustable pillow with removable fill inserts to suit your sleeping preference. The natural down and latex blend is a dream combination, ideal for anyone who like plush comfort and responsive support (read the full review on the Sleep Number NaturalFit Ultimate pillow for more details). It also comes in a breathable cotton cover preventing any overheating or night sweats (in addition to naturally temperature regulating down and latex). You can grab this now at 20% off, reducing the price of a standard pillow from $189.99 to $151.99, while a king is priced at $175.99 (was $219.99). 3. Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows: was $79.99 from $59.99 at AmazonNeed a simpler pillow which suits all sleeping styles and those prone to overheat during the night? The Beckham Hotel Collection crafted from down-alternative fiber impressed our reviewer who said it provides 5-star luxury comfort within a budget (read the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow review to know more). It is also a great budget purchase (and hence the top affordable choice in our pillow guide) since you're paying for not one but two pillows. There's currently 25% off, which means a set of queen pillows is now $59.99 (was $79.99).
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business Wire
Clinical Milestones, Vector Innovation Key to Gene Therapy, GenoTher Biocluster's First International Summit,
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genethon, a unique non-profit gene therapy R&D organization founded by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM-Telethon), and its spin-off Atamyo Therapeutics made significant advances in their gene therapies for multiple rare diseases as highlighted in Genethon's most recent Newsletter. Chief among them are key clinical milestones reached, including those reflected in Genethon's Phase 3 ready Duchene muscular dystrophy gene therapy (GNT0004); and Atamyo's significant milestones in clinical trials of gene therapies (ATA-100 and ATA-200) for treatment of two subtypes of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD2I/R9 and LGMD2C/R5). In addition, the GenoTher Biocluster, a public-private partnership serving as a leading ecosystem for generation of innovative genetic medicines' approaches, held its first international summit attended by 350 researchers, investors, biotech executives and public decision-makers representing more than 100 organizations. In his CEO Commentary, Genethon's Frederic Revah discusses new research involving the organization's AAV platform to increase safety, efficacy and disease applications of gene therapies. Dr. Revah reports Genethon also is exploring non-viral based delivery systems, such as Lipid Nano Particles (LNPs), for their potential in gene editing. Atamyo in April completed the dose escalation phase of a Phase 1b/2b trial in Europe of ATA-100 for LGMD2I/R9 and announced in June dosing in the US of the first two patients in a Phase 1b/2 study of ATA-200 for LGMD2C/R5. Both subtypes lead to loss of ambulation and other complications in children and there are no cures. Read the full Newsletter to learn about these gene therapy advances and others. About Genethon As a pioneer in the discovery and development of gene therapies for rare diseases, Genethon is a non-profit laboratory that was established by AFM-Telethon. A first gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy to which Genethon contributed has obtained a product license. With more than 200 scientists and professional staff, Genethon is pursuing its aim to develop therapies which change the lives of patients suffering from rare genetic diseases. Thirteen products stemming from Genethon's R&D or from collaborations are in clinical trial for diseases of the liver, blood, immune system, muscles and eyes. Seven other products could enter clinical trials over the next five years. More information at
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Human Longevity, Inc./
In the news release, Human Longevity, Inc. Expands Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Commitment with $1 Million Pledge for Qualified Members, issued 17-Jun-2025 by Human Longevity, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the media contact information should be added to the public distribution. The complete, corrected release follows: SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI), a global leader in precision medicine and proactive health, today announced an expansion of its $1 million pledge initiative—this time targeting late-stage pancreatic cancer. Building on the success of its recent prostate cancer commitment, HLI is advancing its mission to detect cancer earlier and improve outcomes for its members by offering financial and clinical support for those members diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer while enrolled in its Executive Health and 100+ Longevity programs. Driving Innovation in Early Detection Through its Executive Health Program and 100+ Longevity Programs, Human Longevity has delivered care to over 10,000 members using a comprehensive platform that integrates whole genome sequencing, advanced imaging, and multiplex blood biomarker tracking. These efforts have enabled the development of what HLI believes to be one of the most advanced early detection algorithms for pancreatic cancer available today, including a new proprietary DNA-based pancreatic cancer screening test. In most cases, our multi-modal screening approach helps detect cancer at a stage when it is curable. But in the rare event that a member is diagnosed at a late stage, our $1 million pledge ensures they receive the most advanced care available—without the burden of financial barriers. How the $1 Million Pledge Works Eligible individuals must be active pledge participants in HLI's Executive Health Program or affiliated Longevity Programs for pancreatic cancer early screening. These programs include: Whole genome sequencing Whole-body MRI, with dedicated pancreatic imaging Long-term blood biomarker analysis A DNA-based pancreatic cancer screening blood test Qualified members diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer while under HLI's care will receive up to $1 million toward treatment, care coordination, and access to a network of top-tier oncology experts from leading medical institutions. Transforming the Future of Pancreatic Cancer Care Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to its lack of early symptoms and late detection. Human Longevity's initiative aims to shift this paradigm by detecting disease earlier—when it is most treatable. The pledge not only offers support to individuals but also accelerates advancements in cancer screening technology through continuous real-world data integration and machine learning. About Human Longevity, Inc. Human Longevity, Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology company at the forefront of genomics, AI, and advanced medical technologies to extend healthspan and revolutionize preventative care. By leveraging vast genomic data, metabolomics, advanced imaging, and AI-driven diagnostics, Human Longevity is transforming healthcare from disease management to proactive prevention through its Executive Health and other Longevity Programs. The company remains committed to advancing medical research, improving patient outcomes, and unlocking the full potential of genomics to address the world's most pressing health challenges. Media Contactmedia@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Human Longevity, Inc.
