Red Cross: Blood shortage still remains

VW independent/submitted information

FORT WAYNE, Indiana — While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.

At times, blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products.

“The Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now and help save patient lives,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager of the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “We are grateful for those who have already stepped up this summer to give and want to remind those who are eligible that hospital patients are still counting on them to roll up a sleeve.”

In the United States, every two seconds someone like Ray Poulin needs blood or platelets. Poulin’s liver and kidneys failed following a serious blood infection. The situation became urgent when his liver hemorrhaged. He was given a 10 percent chance of survival. After receiving 77 units of blood, Poulin defied the odds.

“There was a lot that went into saving my life, but if the blood wasn’t available when I needed it, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Poulin.

Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood or platelets between July 25 and Aug. 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free www.redcrossblood.org/bloodapp, visit www.redcrossblood.org, or call 800.733.2767. Donation appointments and completion of a www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.

Local blood donation opportunities are as follows:

Van Wert County

• Friday, July 29, from noon-5 p.m. – Van Wert Health Center, 140 Fox Road, Van Wert.

Paulding County

• Thursday, July 28, from 2-7 p.m. – Paulding Church of the Nazarene, 210 Dooley Drive, Paulding.
• Monday, August 8, from noon-5 p.m. – Paulding County Hospital, 1035 W. Wayne St., Paulding.
• Tuesday, August 23, from noon-5 p.m. – Paulding County Historical Society, 600 Fairgrounds Drive, Paulding.