Red Cross Issues URGENT Call For All Blood Types

While temperatures continue to rise this summer, the American
Red Cross reports that the blood inventory levels are so low it is unable to
sufficiently meet the demand of local hospitals.  While there is a constant
need for all blood types, donors with O positive, O negative, A negative and
B negative blood types are asked to take an hour to donate right away.
 
It is especially crucial for donors with type O blood donate within the next
few days.  Type O is the most common blood type and is used extensively by
hospitals.  Type O blood donors are considered universal donors because
their blood can be given to most other blood types in emergencies when there
is no time to type a patient¹s blood.  Hospitals commonly experience an
increase in traumas during the summer, making the need for type O blood even
greater.
 
³While enjoying summer activities, people often forget that the need for
blood is constant,² says Randy Edwards, chief executive officer, American
Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region.  ³Blood donations always decline
during the summer months, but blood is used to treat area hospital patients
every day.  Patients depend on the generous donations of others to receive
the life-saving blood they need.²
 
In the summer, blood shortages are common because donations decrease, along
with the number of organizations that will sponsor blood drives.  The
absence of high school and college blood drives factors largely into the
annual drop in donations because these drives account for approximately 25
percent of all donations in the Southern Region.
 
³We want to make the donation process as convenient as possible for those
who take time out of their day to help save lives.  In order to avoid long
waits at our donor centers and blood drives, we ask that donors call
1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make appointments to give
blood,² adds Edwards.  LOCAL: 229-889-9000 ext 26 / (cell) 229-254-8254
 
The American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region needs approximately
1,200 people to donate blood each weekday to meet the needs of hospital
patients.  Most people who are age 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds
are eligible to give blood every 56 days.  There is no substitute for blood,
and the only source is from volunteer donors.
 
The American Red Cross distributes blood to more than 130 hospitals
throughout the Southern Region.  Donations can be made on Mondays thru
Saturdays at the Albany Donor Center from Mon ­ Wed 10a-7p & Thurs ­ Sat
8a-2p.