Mary Alice Reporting –
January is typically a month when donations drop and the American Red Cross is encouraging all to give blood and platelets to help save lives.
The blood supply has fallen to dangerously low levels across the country, and the nation is seeing the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.
Dr. Emily Coberly, Divisional Chief Medical Officer, explains that donors off all blood types are needed, especially Type O negative, which can be given to any patient regardless of their blood type.
“Hospitals have a continuous need for blood to take care of their patients. Patients who were in car accidents, cancer patients, people with sickle cell disease, people who are in the ICU, all these types of patients will continuously need blood to support them through their medical care.”
The Red Cross says so far this month, winter weather has forced the cancellation of more than 370 blood drives nationwide.
Upcoming local blood drives include Tuesday, February 13th at new Towne Mall, Friday, February 16th, at First United Methodist Church, on W. High Avenue., and at the Strasburg-Franklin High School on Wednesday, February 21st.
Find more information about blood drive locations, times, and requirements online at www.redcrossblood.org.
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