By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
It has been reported that the American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage.
Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 15 percent, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.
A blood drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the at the First Methodist church Annex (South Campus) in Geneseo. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App. by visiting RedCrossBlood.org by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins will be accepted, but appointments will be served first.
People planning to donate are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids on the day of their donation.
Information received from the American Red Cross stated that heat impacted more than 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles in blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together, these fact all contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong.
Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are received. Currently, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.
In addition, the recent hurricanes have added to the critical need for blood donations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO THE HURRICANE RELIEF:
Rebecca lives in Western North Carolina, but she gave platelets at the Charlotte Blood and Platelet Donation Center. She was on her way home from vacation when she heard Hurricane Helene was projected to directly hit the Asheville area.
“I am a hurricane refugee right now,” Rebecca said. “I am staying with my daught4ere here in Charlotte until I can get back home. We just got water back on in my neighborhood. I am waiting for things to get back to normal before I go back,” she added. I hear the Red Cross is there helping, and I am grateful for that.”
After the hurricane forced more than 2,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, Rebecca wanted to help.
“It helps substitute for all the people that can’t come to Asheville because of the hurricane there,” Rebecca said. “I know, with the lack of communication and lack of gas, many donors will not be able to make it to donate. There is always a need for blood and platelets, but particularly now, it’s important for people who can get to safe centers to go out and donate.”
“Join Rebecca in helping restock the blood and platelet supply: https://reblood.org/4dAin7k.”