Press release from the American Red Cross:
Winter Storms Reduce Blood Collections
Type O Negative Blood Needed Now
As a result of the recent bad weather across our region, during this holiday season, the local blood collections have decreased. Type O negative blood is especially needed now.
“Winter weather caused four blood drives cancellations in our area last week, representing nearly 180 units of blood that could not be collected. Across our three-state Red Cross division, 37 blood drives have been cancelled, resulting in more than 1,500 units of blood that were not collected,” states Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Indiana-Ohio Region of the American Red Cross. “We encourage eligible donors, particularly those with type O-negative blood, to call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to find a convenient blood drive location.”
Since type O negative blood can be used for any patient when there is not time to determine the patient’s blood type, it is crucial that there be a sufficient supply.
The holidays are a critical time for blood donation. Without winter weather impacts, this time of year is difficult to collect blood because people are busy with holiday plans, shopping and family events. But every day, regardless of the season, hospital patients need blood or platelets for cancer treatments, lifesaving surgeries, or emergency care related to accidents or trauma.
Your help is needed to replenish the blood supply. Schedule your appointment to give blood through the American Red Cross today and help save lives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.
When you come to donate now through Jan. 1, you will be entered to win a weekly region-wide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card!
If you already have an appointment to donate blood, it is crucial that you keep your commitment to give. If you become ill or unavailable, please ask a friend to donate blood in your place.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.
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