Red Cross issues emergency call for blood donors
Fewer drives, busy holiday schedules lead to
A donation shortfall over the winter holidays is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage from continuing throughout winter and affecting patient care
The Red Cross collected more than 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s than needed to sustain a sufficient blood supply. During this period, about 1,350 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs as busy holiday schedules kept many donors away.
“Many people may not realize that blood products are perishable, and the only source of lifesaving blood for patients is volunteer blood donors,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “When donations decline – as they did around the holidays and may further decline if severe winter weather and flu season pick up – lifesaving medical treatments could be delayed.”
Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types on hand, well below the ideal five-day supply needed to respond to emergencies and daily hospital needs. Blood products are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
“We hope people can resolve to save lives now – when there is an emergency need – as well as throughout the year,” added Numark.
All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to give in the coming days to help restock the shelves for hospital patients. Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 14-Feb. 15
American Legion Hall, 425 South Main St. Ferdinand, IN 47532 2/4/2019: 2 – 7 p.m.
Cathedral Health Care Center, 520 West 9th St. Jasper, IN 47546 1/14/2019: 2 – 6 p.m.
Dale United Methodist Church, 1 West Elm St. Dale, IN 47523 1/28/2019: 3 – 7 p.m.
Ferdinand Elementary School, 402 East 8th St. Ferdinand, IN 47532; 1/24/2019: 2 – 7 p.m.
Holy Family Catholic Church, 950 E. Church Ave. Jasper, IN 47549; 1/30/2019: 2 – 7 p.m.
Hutson Inc-John Deere, 2951 N 600 W. Jasper, IN 47546; 1/17/2019: 1 – 6 p.m.
Jasper Library, 1116 Main St. Jasper , IN 47546; 2/6/2019: 1 – 6 p.m.
Norris & Love Health Pointe, 1900 Saint Charles St. Jasper, IN 47546; 2/1/2019: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
St. Raphael Catholic Church, 5564 Saint Raphael St. Dubois, IN 47527; 2/10/2019: 8 a.m. – noon
VFW Post 2366, 314 Geiger St. Huntingburg, IN 47542; 1/15/2019: 3 – 7 p.m.
Walmart, 4040 Newton St. Jasper, IN 47546; 1/28/2019: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
