The American Red Cross recently issued a summer 2004 blood supply snapshot that summarizes the need for blood donors in the area.
Currently, the blood supply is at less than a one day’s supply in the 100-county region, and O-negative has reached emergency levels.
This week’s blood fact is that in the Greater Alleghenies Region, blood drives at high schools and colleges annually provide about 20 percent of the regional blood supply. During the summer, that 20 percent must be made up in the general community as patients’ blood needs are constant throughout the year.
“The blood supply fact… provides insight into one of the major reasons for chronic summer blood supply problems: the lack of usual access to those who donate blood at high schools and colleges,” said Marianne Spampinato, American Red Cross representative. “Also, turnout at other bloodmobiles may be lower due to vacations.”
Although approximately half the population is eligible to give blood, only five percent give each year. To give blood, individuals must: be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 105 pounds and be in generally good health.
Spampinato encourages those with questions about their ability to donate blood to call the regional office toll-free at 1-800-542-5663 and ask for the Nursing Collections Department.
“The public should also be informed that taking medication, having high blood pressure or diabetes are not necessarily reasons for deferral,” she added.
Spampinato also said the ARC has brought back the Grateful Life Tour for this summer, and it will be visiting Tyrone on August 4.
For current blood donation information, the public can call either 1-800-GIVE LIFE or 1-800-542-5663, and 24 hours a day they can check the region\’s web site, www.redcrosslife.org.
