JOHNSTOWN – Red Cross officials are urging the public to visit upcoming blood drives in their community over the next several days to help stabilize dwindling inventories of blood
before the long holiday weekend.
“With just a day’s supply of several blood types on hand and the Labor Day weekend less than two weeks away we are asking people in our communities to take about an hour out of their summer to give a life-sustaining blood donation,” said Jim Starr, CEO, Greater Alleghenies Region.
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With more automobile travelers there is the potential for more accidents and injuries requiring blood or blood products. “Blood needs to be available every day for trauma and surgery patients, as well as those undergoing cancer care and treatment for other serious illnesses,” added Starr. “An adequate blood supply is vital to quality medical care.”
While temperatures rose this summer, donations declined. The hot weather, along with vacation travel, summer activities and schools being out of session, has taken a significant toll on donations. The Red Cross needs an average of 1,000 donations each weekday to support the needs of nearly 100 hospitals and their patients.
Starr reiterated that the region’s Keep Your Motor Runnin’ summer campaign has entered its home stretch. “Those who present to donate blood at a local Red Cross site through Sept. 30 can enter the drawing for a 2006 Harley Davidson Fat Boy, and will get a black biker T-shirt, at bloodmobiles, or a three-piece BBQ set, at donor centers, while supplies last.
“Donation appointments may be scheduled at many of these sites; when donors schedule appointments we can better predict donor turnout and adjust blood drive staffing,” he commented.
“To schedule your blood donation appointment where available, or to find a blood drive near you, visit www.redcrosslife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.”
Individuals age 17 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood every 56 days. For specific eligibility questions, the Red Cross can be reached at 800-542-5663.
Individuals should bring their Red Cross donor cards or other forms of positive identification to the donor site.
Bloodmobiles in the area this week include:
West Decatur – Calvary United Methodist Church, Wednesday, 1-7 p.m.