Editor, Times-Union The American Red Cross has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations. National blood inventory levels have dropped well below a safe and adequate supply. Every day blood is needed in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients and to help save the lives of accident victims. Without more blood "on the shelves," the Red Cross cannot ensure that hospitals will have the blood they need to treat all patients.
In fact, blood donations decline in the summer months due to vacations, holidays and everyone's busy lifestyle. Blood shortages also are caused by the absence of high school blood drives. Our local county high schools are great supporters of our Red Cross Blood program throughout the school year and we miss them in the summer months. Across the nation, blood drives at high schools and colleges provide 15 to 20 percent of the blood donations in a normal year.
Unfortunately, injuries do not decrease in the summer. On average, emergency rooms may use between four and 40 units of blood to treat one automobile accident victim. The fact is that American Red Cross blood inventory levels across the country are extremely low and some areas of the country have reached a one-day supply of blood.
So, how can you help? The Red Cross is appealing to all eligible people to donate blood now. Specifically, blood type O, type A negative and type B negative are in critical shortage at this time.
During the month of August, our chapter will host bloodmobiles in accordance with the following schedule: Aug. 3, Zimmer Corp., 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Aug. 9, Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Aug. 10, Lake City Bank, Buffalo Street, Warsaw, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Aug. 17, DePuy Corp., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Aug. 23, North Webster American Legion, 3 to 7 p.m. The Zimmer and DePuy locations are closed to the public.
Giving blood is a safe process, is easy, and takes about an hour of your time. Anyone at least 17 years of age, weighing 110 pounds or more, and feeling in good health may be able to donate blood. Call the American Red Cross at 800-448-3543 and make an appointment today. Of course, walk-in donors are always welcome.
Thank you for your support. Patients are counting on your life-saving generosity.
