JOHNSTOWN – Oppressive summer heat across the area is keeping blood donors away from their scheduled donations, according to officials of the Greater Alleghenies Region of American Red Cross Blood Services.
“The impact on the blood supply may lead to shortages that could endanger patients’ lives,” stated Jim Starr, CEO, Greater Alleghenies Region. “Less than 75 percent of the needed blood donors have shown up to donate blood in June. This extremely low donor turnout has severely strained the community’s blood supply.”
He explained that the summer months are traditionally a challenging time for blood collection, noting that in the Greater Alleghenies Region’s 100-county service area, blood drives at high schools and colleges contribute 20 percent of its annual donations.
“In the summer, these donors become much more difficult to reach, with schools not in session and many families on vacation. We need the public’s help to increase our community blood supply so that we can continue to provide hospitals with the life-sustaining blood products people need every day,” Starr emphasizes. “The need for blood is ongoing—every two seconds someone in America needs a blood transfusion.
“Emergencies and other health issues don’t go away when the weather gets hot, and we encourage our donors to keep up their lifesaving efforts at all times of the year.” Four blood types – O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative – are below a day’s supply.
To be eligible to donate blood, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds and be in generally good health (in Maryland and Pennsylvania, 16-year-olds may donate blood with parental permission).
Starr provided the following tips to help ensure a successful blood donation in the hot weather, or at any other time of the year:
· Get a good night’s sleep before your donation appointment
· Drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume you will donate (avoid tea, coffee, or other beverages with caffeine)
· Wear cool, loose clothing
· Eat a healthy meal before arriving at the donor center
· Re-hydrate by drinking plenty of fluids over the next 24-48 hours
Donation appointments may be scheduled at many Red Cross blood drives. To schedule your blood donation appointment where available, or to find a blood drive near you, visit here or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543).
