Blood supply at critically low levels
Special to The Gazette
Monday, July 18, 2011
The American Red Cross has issued an appeal for blood donors to roll up a sleeve and address a critical shortage across the nation.
Many donors are busy or traveling, school is out of session and donations have dropped dramatically. In May and June, while demand for blood products remained steady, donations were at the lowest level the Red Cross has seen during this timeframe in over a dozen years. Because of that, the Red Cross needs blood donors now more than ever. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.
Locally, you may give blood at the Emporia Community Battle of the Badges on today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church, 2023 W. 12th Ave. Everyone who comes to donate will receive a free Battle of the Badges t-shirt.
As an extra incentive this summer, anyone who presents to donate blood with the Red Cross between July 1 and Sept. 1, 2011 is automatically entered into a weekly drawing for a $250 gas card. During Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2 – Sept. 7), anyone presenting to donate blood is automatically entered into a drawing for a $1,000 gas card.
The Red Cross has responded to more than 40 major disasters across more than 30 states over the past three months.
“This has been an especially busy year for the Red Cross, as we’ve given help and hope to people affected by deadly tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other storms,” said Shaun Gilmore, President, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “But there’s another, more personal, kind of disaster that can happen to any of us at any time if we need blood and it’s not available.”
The Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors and community leaders to ask them to recruit people to help meet the needs of patients in communities across the United States .
“As a meteorologist, I know that there is a chance of tornado, flood, fire, earthquake or hurricane somewhere in our country almost every day,” said Jim Cantore, Meteorologist and member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet. ”Any one of these natural disasters can bring pain and heartbreak to those affected. Similarly, a critical blood shortage like the one we’re experiencing right now could have the same effect on someone in need.”
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion — someone like Brian Boyle, a 25-year-old whose life changed instantly when a dump truck plowed into his vehicle on his way home from swim practice in 2004. Brian lost 60 percent of his blood, his heart had moved across his chest and his organs and pelvis were pulverized. If Brian survived, doctors predicted that he might not be able to walk again and certainly would not swim. Against all predictions, Brian now competes in marathons and triathlons.
“When I needed it, the American Red Cross was there with 36 blood transfusions and 13 plasma treatments that saved my life in a situation where time was of the essence,” said Boyle. “Amazing medical care and volunteer blood donors helped make my recovery possible. By giving just a little bit of their time, blood donors helped give me the chance at a lifetime.”
Brian’s story emphasizes just how important each and every blood donation can be. In fact, the Red Cross provides lifesaving blood to nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.
How to donate blood
Call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information or to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 in Kansas with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors 18 and younger.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
KellyL (anonymous) says...
Unfortunately, I was late coming in for my appointment due to an emergency at work, and I was informed that no more walk ins were being accepted, or I would have been there!
July 18, 2011 at 7:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
KellyL, that's kind of Sad. You would think a VOLUNTEER organization counting on VOLUNTEER DONORS would have stuck around as long as walk ins were coming in.
Guess not.
July 18, 2011 at 8:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
Yeah no kidding. Well I will give them a shout tomorrow. Didn't know you needed a appt. to donate.
July 19, 2011 at 12:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
For being at such "critically low levels," they were turning away quite a few people today, even those with appointments. The Red Cross needs to either plan better or bring more beds, especially since they claim to be in such dire need of donations.
July 19, 2011 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
i would donate if i was still allowed. however there are only so many cots and people to draw blood. i think thats why they can only accept so many people at the rec center. in other cities that have permanent buildings, you can go in anytime and give blood. just sayin'
July 19, 2011 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )