The weekend’s winter storm and upcoming forecast have prompted American Red Cross Blood Services officials to continue to urge area residents to donate blood at the organization’s upcoming blood drives.
Tonight, individuals can visit the Warriors Mark United Methodist Church where donations will be accepted until 7 p.m. and tomorrow, the Bellwood Senior Center will host a blood drive from 12:30 to 6 p.m.
While the blood drives tonight and tomorrow may be short notice, individuals are always able to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-Give-Life (1-800-448-3543).
Giving blood takes very little time. Although about 60 percent of the people in America are eligible to donate blood, only five percent do.
Anyone at least 17-years-of-age, weighing 110 pounds or more and feeling in good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Individuals with donor eligibility questions should call the nursing collections office at 1-800-542-5663.
According to Jim Starr, regional CEO, as of yesterday morning the region had less than a day’s supply of type O negative blood, or just 47 unites in reserve to support nearly 100 hospital customers. The 100-county blood region also has less than a one day supply of A negative, B negative, O positive and B positive in reserve.
“During the last two weeks, wintry weather has forced the cancellation of a couple dozen blood drives, representing nearly 1,200 potential blood donations, and lower than usual donor turnout at remaining drives and platelet donor centers,” said Starr, “Since February 5, we’ve lost two day’s worth of collections due to cold, snow and ice.”
The blood region, which serves nearly 100 hospitals, has a collection goal of 1,000 unites per weekday and a couple hundred each weekend.
“When a patient needs transfusions, the blood products – red blood cells, platelets and plasma – must be readily available. Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion, and it’s too late to recruit donors when the need arises,” Starr said.
He explained that the weather has also strained the region’s supply of platelets, a product often needed by patients with cancer, leukemia and other serious illnesses.
“We’re also calling upon those who give platelets at our donor centers in Altoona, Beaver, Greensburg, Johnstown and State College to make an appointment to donate and make every effort to keep appointments already scheduled,” he noted.
Starr added that presenting donors will also receive and embroidered fleece scarf, while supplies last.
