The American Red Cross is facing a looming shortage of the blood types most needed by patients and is calling on eligible donors with O negative, B negative and A negative blood to give now to prevent an emergency situation. Blood donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Overall blood donations in the Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region have been approximately 3,286 fewer per month in June and July this year than the previous 10 months of the year. When demand for the most needed types begins to outpace donations, the Red Cross alerts donors to help restock the shelves.
Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types B negative and A negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients. Eligible donors are encouraged to donate double red cells – a process where two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor – where available.
“Summer blood shortages are not uncommon, but they can be prevented when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to help save lives,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment for the Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast and Southern Blood Services Regions. “Many donors have already given this summer. We’re now asking donors who haven’t donated, and those who are eligible again, to make an appointment to give now to help ensure blood products are available for patients.”
Platelet donors and those with type AB blood are also continually needed to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving blood products they need. Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, surgical patients and bone narrow recipients – must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are constantly needed. Donors with type AB blood are urged to give blood or platelets to restock the plasma supply. Type AB donors have the universal plasma type, which can be given to patients of all blood types.
Individuals who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again and help patients like five-year-old Irelynn Rose. Irelynn lives with a rare blood disorder called Diamond Blackfan Anemia. There is currently no cure, so she must endure blood transfusions every three weeks as part of her treatment. Irelynn has already received more than 80 blood transfusions.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities
Aug. 7, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Summit YMCA, 1765 Highway 34 East Newnan
Aug. 7, 2-7 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2021 Redwine Road Fayetteville
Aug. 10, 3-7 p.m., Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Parkway Fayetteville
Aug. 10, 1-6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 106 West Taylor St. Griffin
Aug. 11, 3-8 p.m., Peachtree City Christian Church, 500 Kedron Drive Peachtree City
Aug. 12, 2-7 p.m., New Hope Baptist Church, 551 New Hope Road Fayetteville
Aug. 13, 2-7 p.m., Griffin Moose Lodge #1503, 1435 Zebulon Road Griffin
Aug. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 821 Old Atlanta Highway Newnan
8/14/2015: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Glenloch Recreation Complex, 601 Stevens Entry Peachtree City
8/17/2015: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tyrone Library, 143 Commerce Drive Tyrone
The free Blood Donor App – available in app stores by searching for American Red Cross or by texting BLOODAPP to 90999 – not only makes appointment scheduling easy, but donors can also access their digital donor card and be notified when their donation is distributed to a hospital. Donors can also visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
