Red Cross Blood Supply Drops to Emergency Levels

American Red Cross Calling On all Eligible Donors To Step Up And Rollup Your Sleeves As Soon As Possible… by Jack Swint

The Red Cross says its blood supply has reached emergency levels, with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. This shortfall leaves about half the readily available blood products on hand today than at this time last year. ABC News reported that the organization is especially in need of O-type blood, since it can be transfused into people of any blood type. However, other greatly needed types include A negative, B negative and O positive.

"There is always the chance that a physician could postpone an elective surgery if the needed blood products aren’t readily available," said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer for the American Red Cross. "In a worst case scenario, a physician may have to fore go performing a more serious procedure for a patient because of a shortage of blood. We need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t get to that point."

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. This translates into a need for more than 38,000 blood donations everyday to keep up supplies for patients at more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. All blood types are currently needed -- especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. It’s the blood type doctors turn to first in an emergency situation when there is no time to match a patient’s blood type.

An unseasonably early start to summer weather 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. Donors are encouraged to make appointments in the coming days and weeks to help ensure that all patient blood needs can be met.

Each pint of whole blood can help save more than one life. But, in some cases, much more than a pint is needed per patient. Earlier this year, 35 gallons were what was needed for a San Antonio mom. Gina Walker's life was saved from the blood transfusion, after hemorrhaging while giving birth to her daughter.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (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.


End Of Story….

Jack Swint-Publisher
West Virginia News
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