The American Red Cross issued an emergency request for platelet and blood donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give because fewer donations than expected were received in June and the first week of July.
“We are counting on generous volunteer blood and platelet donors to step up and give now,” said Page Gambill, CEO for the Red Cross Mid-Atlantic Blood Services Region. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for these patients in need.”
Nationwide, donations through the Red Cross were down approximately 10 percent in June, resulting in about 50,000 fewer donations than expected. The shortfall is similar to what the Red Cross experienced in June 2012.
June can be among the most challenging months of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they adjust to summer schedules. High school and college blood drives account for as much as 20 percent of Red Cross donations during the school year. Donations from those who usually give at these drives drop by more than 80 percent when school is out for the summer. In addition, a mid-week Independence Day holiday reduced the number of blood drives scheduled in early July. Many sponsors, especially businesses, were unable to host drives because employees took extended vacations.
The Red Cross urgently needs donations to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients all summer long. Each day, the American Red Cross Mid-Atlantic Blood Region needs approximately 500-600 donors to step forward and give blood. Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to give. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.
There is also an urgent need for platelet donations. Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients – must be transfused within five days of donation, so it’s important to have a steady supply of platelets on hand.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities for Richmond and Central Virginia
RICHMOND AREA:
7/12/13 Bethlem Baptist Church 4210 Penick Road Henrico VA 23228 Henrico 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
7/12/13 Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center 522 Industrial Drive Louisa VA 23093 Louisa 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
7/16/13 Johnston Willis Hospital 1401 Johnston Willis Drive Richmond VA 23225 Richmond City 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
7/16/13 Henrico Doctors’ Retreat Campus 2621 Grove Avenue Richmond VA 23220 Richmond City 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
7/16/13 American Red Cross Greater Richmond Chapter 420 East Cary Street Richmond VA 23219 Richmond City 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
7/16/13 Wawa 3850 North Bailey Bridge Road Midlothian VA 23112 Chesterfield 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
7/18/13 Warsaw Baptist Church 226 Main Street Warsaw VA 22572 Richmond 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm
7/23/13 American Red Cross Greater Richmond Chapter 420 East Cary Street Richmond VA 23219 Richmond City 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 permission 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
