News release from the American Red Cross:
Winter Weather Impacting Blood Collections
Donations Today Help Save Lives Tomorrow
(April 1, 2013) – This winter has been particularly harsh, impacting a large portion of the country causing a significant number of blood drive cancellations and impacting our blood supply. Since the beginning of February, winter weather has forced the cancellation of over 425 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 16,000 blood donations through the Red Cross.
These losses mean that potentially 48,000 hospital patients could have been impacted. Eligible donors are encouraged to give lifesaving blood to help offset the current shortfall and ensure a stable supply. All blood types are currently needed, especially O negative, B negative and A negative. Rh-negative blood types can be transfused to both Rh-positive and Rh-negative patients. Type O negative blood is universal and can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type.
Here are just a few examples of patients who received blood products donated through the American Red Cross:
- A new mother received 32 units of red blood cells, 15 units of cryoprecipitate, 10 units of platelets and 10 units of plasma after complications from childbirth.
- A patient undergoing a cyst removal received 60 units of red blood cells and 9 units of platelets.
- A kidney transplant patient received 30 units of red blood cells and 40 units of plasma.
It is the blood on the shelves today that are available for patients tomorrow. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive opportunity near you.
UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA:
- Wednesday, April 3, from noon until 4 p.m. at Nill Family Chiropractic Clinic, located at 4606 West Jefferson in Fort Wayne.
- Thursday, April 4, from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Dupont Hospital, located at 2520 East Dupont Rd. in Fort Wayne.
- Friday, April 5, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Mill Supplies Inc., located at 5105 Industrial Rd. in Fort Wayne.
- Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Zanesville United Brethren Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 3092 West Broadway in Zanesville.
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 Indiana and Ohio), 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
American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.
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