Blood donations

As the blood community celebrates National Blood Donor Month, the nation’s blood supply remains at one of its lowest levels in recent years. 

 

The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross are joining together to urge eligible, healthy individuals to contact their local blood center and make an appointment to donate blood today. 

 

According to the American Red Cross, in recent weeks, blood centers across the country have reported less than a one-day’s supply of blood of certain critical blood types—a dangerously low level. 

 

If the nation’s blood supply does not stabilize soon, life-saving blood may not be available for some patients when it is needed.

 

Red Cross officials say the country confronts new challenges as COVID-19 cases surge and winter storms threaten to further disrupt the blood supply. 

 

Blood components have a short shelf life and the blood supply needs to be constantly replenished. 

 

Blood can take up to three days to be tested, processed and made available for patients, so it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency. 

 

You can donate blood in our area this week. 

 

A Red Cross blood mobile will be in Royston this Thursday at Royston Baptist Church from 2p – 7p. 

 

Type O is the most needed blood group by hospitals. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

 

All eligible donors, especially platelet and blood donors with type O blood, are urgently needed to help restock the shelves for hospital patients, according to Red Cross spokesperson Rannita McFall.

 

Rannita McFall trt: 33 oc; as possible

 

In the U.S., more than 16 million units of blood and blood products are transfused annually with more than 45,000 units needed daily.

 

American Red Cross: www.RedCrossBlood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767)

 

If a donation appointment is not immediately available or a blood drive is moved for various scheduling reasons, please schedule for the next appointment; the need for blood continues to be significant as the pandemic persists.