American Red Cross Has Emergency Need for Blood and Platelet Donors of all Types

The American Red Cross blood supply has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer pints of blood collected than expected in June. This leaves the Red Cross inventory with half the readily available blood products than this time last year. The Red Cross is calling on all eligible blood donors – now more than ever – to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, but especially O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer.

An unseasonably early start to spring may be a contributing factor to this year’s decrease in donations. Many regular donors got an early start on summer activities and aren’t taking time to donate blood or platelets. Looking forward, this year’s mid-week Independence Day holiday reduces the number the number of blood drives scheduled in early July as many sponsors, especially businesses, are unable to host drives with many people taking extended vacations.

Unfortunately, patients don’t get a holiday from needing blood products. The need is constant. Approximately every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Blood and platelets are needed for many different kinds of patients. They include accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies – when there are complications during childbirth – and for patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

“Every day, the American Red Cross must collect more than 17,000 pints of blood for patients at more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Of that, the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region must collect approximately 900 blood and platelet donations each weekday,” said John A. Hagins, CEO of the region.  He noted that American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region, serves donors, sponsors, hospitals and patients in 100 counties in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. “We need donors to make appointments in the coming days and weeks to help us ensure that all patient blood needs can be met. It can be one of the most gratifying things one can do to help patients.”

“There is always the chance that a physician could postpone an elective surgery if the needed blood products aren’t readily available, or in a worst case scenario, have to forego a procedure such as a lifesaving organ transplant because of a shortage of blood.” Hagins added. “Our goal is to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities in Winchester (**2RBC** indicates the blood drive is scheduled to include double red cell donation opportunities):

Tuesday, June 26, 2012
**2RBC**  Winchester, VA: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., American Red Cross, 561 Fortress Dr

Thursday, June 28, 2012
Winchester, VA: Noon to 6:00 p.m., American Red Cross, 561 Fortress Dr

Friday, June 29, 2012
**2RBC**  Winchester, VA: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., American Red Cross, 561 Fortress Dr

Monday, July 2, 2012
Winchester, VA: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Staples, 2045 S Pleasant Valley Road

Tuesday, July 3, 2012
**2RBC**  Winchester, VA: Noon to 6:00 p.m., First Baptist Church of Winchester, 205 W. Piccadilly St.
**2RBC**  Winchester, VA: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., American Red Cross, 561 Fortress Dr

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Posted by News Staff on Jun 26 2012. Filed under Winchester News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.