Statewide
posted
Jun 27, 2012
Approximately every two seconds, a patient in the
United States needs a blood transfusion.
Blood and platelet donors of all types needed
The American Red Cross blood supply has reached emergency levels
with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. This shortfall
leaves the Red Cross with half the readily available blood products
on hand now 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
positive, 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 give
blood or platelets. In addition, this year's mid-week Independence
Day holiday has reduced the number of scheduled Red Cross blood
drives. Many sponsors, especially businesses, are unable to host
drives because employees are 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 used for many different kinds of treatments. They
include accident and burns, heart surgery, organ transplants,
complications during childbirth and for patients receiving
treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease.
"Blood must be available at a moment's notice when seconds count to
help save or sustain a life. We have reached an emergency situation
and the blood will not be there without the immediate response of
volunteer blood donors," said Donna M. Morrissey, Director,
Communications, American Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast
Division. "The Red Cross relies upon generous blood donors so we
can supply blood when and where it is needed. Right now, patients
in hospitals across the country need you to roll up your sleeve and
give the gift of lifesaving blood."
The Northern New England Region is seeking to collect 8300 units
over the next two weeks. Each and every blood donation is crucial.
To reach its goal, the Red Cross is adding emergency blood drives
and extending blood drive hours and scheduled drives. In
addition, the Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors,
blood drive sponsors and community leaders to ask them to recruit
blood donors to help meet the needs of patients in communities
across the United States. Eligible donors are asked to call
1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find
a blood drive and to make appointments.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont), meet weight and height
requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and
are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please
bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID
when you come to donate.
Upcoming Local Blood Donation Opportunities
June 27: Springfield VFW, 12-noon to 6 p.m. Springfield, Vt.
June 28: Lothrop Elementary School, 11 a.m. to 5
p.m. Pittsford, Vt.
June 30: Diamond Run Mall 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rutland,
Vt.
Tagged:
Red Cross Blood Drive, New England
