Red Cross has critical need for blood

Red Cross blood drive news

This winter has been particularly harsh, impacting a large portion of the country causing a significant number of blood drive cancellations and impacting the Red Cross’ blood supply. Since the beginning of February, winter weather has forced the cancellation of over 425 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 16,000 blood donations through the Red Cross.

These losses mean that potentially 48,000 hospital patients could have been impacted. Eligible donors are encouraged to give lifesaving blood to help offset the current shortfall and ensure a stable supply. All blood types are currently needed, especially O negative, B negative and A negative. Rh-negative blood types can be transfused to both Rh-positive and Rh-negative patients. Type O negative blood is universal and can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type.

Here are just a few examples of patients who received blood products donated through the American Red Cross:

• A new mother received 32 units of red blood cells, 15 units of cryoprecipitate, 10 units of platelets and 10 units of plasma after complications from childbirth.
• A patient undergoing a cyst removal received 60 units of red blood cells and nine units of platelets.
• A kidney transplant patient received 30 units of red blood cells and 40 units of plasma.

It is the blood on the shelves today that are available for patients tomorrow. To schedule an appointment, call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767) or go to redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive opportunity nearby.

Area Red Cross blood drives:

• Today, from 1-6 p.m., at Van Wert Health Center, 140 Fox Road in Van Wert. Van Wert County Hospital sponsors this blood drive. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin!
• Thursday, March 28, from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, 111 N. Shannon St. in Van Wert. Come to donate and receive a Red Cross pin!