A donation shortfall over the winter holidays is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage from continuing throughout winter and affecting patient care.
The Red Cross collected more than 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s than needed to sustain a sufficient blood supply. During this period, about 1,350 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs as busy holiday schedules kept many donors away.
“Many people may not realize that blood products are perishable, and the only source of lifesaving blood for patients is volunteer blood donors,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Red Cross Indiana Ohio Blood Services Region. “When donations decline, lifesaving medical treatments could be delayed, especially if winter weather and flu season further complicate the situation.”
Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types on hand, well below the ideal five-day supply needed to respond to emergencies and daily hospital needs. Blood products are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
All eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to give in the coming days to help restock the shelves for hospital patients.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Marshall County from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15 are:
Thursday, January 17th from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. at Culver High School, 701 School Street.
Sunday, January 20th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the McMillen Athletic Center on the Culver Academies, 1300 Academy Road.
Monday, January 21st from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. at Ancilla College, 9601 South Union Road, Donaldson.
January 24th from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Argos Elementary School, 600 Yearick Avenue and
February 6th from 11:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. at St. Isidore Hall, 803 West Bike Street in Bremen.
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
