Dear Editor,
In the last couple of weeks, we have seen countless images of the physical devastation caused by the hurricanes in the Midwest and South. But Gustav, Hanna and Ike had another consequence that was more subtle, though no less important: their impact on our nation’s blood supply.
In many communities around the country, with blood supplies already low, the American Red Cross has seen its efforts hindered, halted or re-routed by the storms.
Blood drives were cancelled and many donors were not able to get to those blood drives and donor centers that were able to open. This caused a significant shortfall in the blood supply that could jeopardize patients in need. To this week’s cancer patients and accident victims, who may require anywhere from one to 40 units of blood, that loss is significant.
The Red Cross has activated its national network to move blood from other communities to assist hospitals in communities that lost their supply in the storms. At least one Red Cross facility suffered damage from the severe weather and several operated for days only by the power of generators.
In the United States, a blood transfusion is needed about every two seconds. And on any given day, patients in our country require an average of 39,000 units of blood. Storms or not, an adequate national blood supply remains critical.
Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit redcrosslife.org to make an appointment or learn more about blood donation.
The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.
Sincerely,
James E. Starr
CEO
Greater Alleghenies Region