Press Release August 23, 2010
Urgent Need For Blood Donors
The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region has issued an urgent call for blood donors.
The Red Cross closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital need for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.
”There is a critical need for blood donors now,” said Dr. Richard V. Liles, Jr., Blood Services Chairman for the Stanly County Red Cross. “This summer we have had a particularly difficult time recruiting enough blood donors to meet the requirements of our community’s hospitals and the patients they serve.”
Meeting this need is particularly challenging since the extremely high temperatures are keeping donors inside, most schools are not in session to hold blood drives and we are experiencing a high number of donors who are unable to keep their appointments. In the Carolinas Region, the Red Cross has seen approximately 13% fewer donors than expected.
Donors with all blood types are needed, but especially those with type O negative. Red Cross officials say type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage. That’s because type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.
Every day, more than 39,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in the United States. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature babies, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. Each whole blood donation can help save up to three lives.
“We urge people to make and keep an appointment to donate blood now,” said Liles. “Chances are, someone is counting on you right now for their very life.”
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN THE AREA:
City of Albemarle Employees will host a drive at the Fire & Police East Community Building,
1610 East Main Street, Albemarle, on Thursday, August 26, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
GHA, Inc., 213 North 2nd Street, Albemarle, will host a drive
Monday, August 30, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; call 982-9600 x125 for an appointment.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weight at least 110 lbs., are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.
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