Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

June 28, 2007 issue


Red Cross Issues Urgent Plea for Donors

The American Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood as soon as possible. The current blood supply has dropped critically low throughout the Southeast. In the Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, there is less than a day’s supply of most blood types. Although all blood types are needed, there is a special need for types O and B.

“Patients in area hospitals are dependent on the Red Cross and generous blood donors to make sure blood is available when it is needed,” commented Robert F. Fechner, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Region. “Without an immediate response from generous people in the community, our ability to provide blood to the hospitals we serve will be limited.”

The blood supply typically experiences a drop in the summer. This drop occurs when schools and colleges close; people take vacations and extended holidays; and businesses hold smaller blood drives due to modified summer operations. However, the current blood shortage has occurred earlier in the season and the Red Cross predicts that the upcoming July 4th holiday will exacerbate the situation. 

“With July 4th coming mid-week, we are concerned that more people will take extra days off,” added Fechner. “That will result in even fewer available blood donors at a time when the blood supply will be at its lowest.”

The need for blood is also on the rise. Nationally, the Red Cross has distributed 1.6% more red cells this year than over the previous year and 9.3% more platelets (the component of blood that promotes clotting). In the Carolinas Region, the Red Cross has distributed 5.7% more red cells (more than 16,000 units) and 7.1% more platelets (more than 2,600 units) to area hospitals. Throughout the Southeast, the increasing need for blood can be attributed to a growing population, including a large number of retirees with increased medical needs. Area hospitals are also continuing to expand and offer more complex medical treatments that often include the use of blood and blood products.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. Since blood may be safely donated every 56 days, individuals who donate now can donate at least one other time this summer.

For more information about blood drives near you or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

 

Upcoming Bloodmobiles In The Area

Tuesday, July 3, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Watauga Industrial Park. Contact Anita at 828-263-5472 ext 1132

Tuesday, July 3, 1:30 to 6:30 at Holiday Inn Express. Contact Sonny at 828-264-8226 or Tony Potter at 828-264-3858

Wednesday, July 11, 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Watauga Medical Center. Contact Kenietha Presnell at 828-262-4101

For more info, call Sonny Sweet, Executive Director, American Red Cross: Watauga Country Chapter at 828-264-8226.