Cancelled Blood Drives Causing Strain To Blood Supply; Emergency Call For Donations

Cancelled Blood Drives Causing Strain To Blood Supply; Emergency Call For Donations
Photo: American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is reissuing its emergency call for blood donors to give now after multiple snow storms, frigid temperatures and the government shutdown further reduced lifesaving donations.

In January, more than 4,600 Red Cross blood and platelet donations went uncollected as blood drives were forced to cancel due to severe winter weather blanketing parts of the U.S. Weather travel advisories may cause even more donors to delay their planned donations.

The federal government shutdown also affected donations as more than 4 percent of Red Cross blood collections come from drives sponsored by military and local, state and federal government agencies. About 30 blood drives hosted by federal offices were canceled across the country due to the shutdown, leaving more than 900 donations uncollected.

“Disruptions to blood and platelet donations jeopardize the availability of blood for patients who depend on transfusions for survival,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “We’re grateful for all those who have come out to give since we issued our emergency call earlier this month and now urge others to come out and give to prevent delays in essential medical care.”

Right now, Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and there is less than a three-day supply of most blood types on hand. The Red Cross strives to maintain a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.

All eligible donors, especially blood donors with type O blood, are urgently needed to help restock the shelves for hospital patients. Donation appointments can be easily scheduled by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1- 800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 31-Feb. 28:

Brown
Ainsworth
2/5/2019: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., St Pius X Catholic Church, 915 E 3rd Street
_______________
Custer
Broken Bow
2/20/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Elk's Lodge, 825 S. 10th
2/22/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Broken Bow High School Activities Building, 323 North 7th

Callaway
2/14/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Community Center, 202 West Kimball

Merna
2/28/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Anselmo-Merna Public Schools, 750 N Conway St
_______________
Dawes
Chadron
2/4/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Chadron State Coll. Student Center, 1000 Main Street
2/5/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Chadron State Coll. Student Center, 1000 Main Street
_______________
Holt
O’Neill
2/4/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 410 West Douglas Street
_______________
Howard
Saint Paul
2/11/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., St Paul, 423 Howard Ave
2/15/2019: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Howard County Medical Center, 1113 Sherman St.
_______________
Loup
Taylor
2/28/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Taylor Community Building, 404 4th St
_______________
Thomas
Thedford
2/13/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Thedford High School, 304 Maple Street
_______________
Valley
Arcadia
1/31/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Arcadia Public School, 320 W. Owens St.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1- 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass ® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:
The 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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter: @RedCross.




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