The recent rash of snowy weather has had an adverse affect on the units of blood collected by the American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Region. Last week, critical-need blood drives were added to help replenish blood supplies, but more blood is still needed.
The American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Region, has less than a two-day supply on hand, and donors of all types are needed to help replenish supplies.
“Its crucial that we get the blood supplies up to their minimum five-day levels,”said Crystal Bennett, donor resources assistant at the Red Cross on Pineview Drive.”Lives are at stake when levels are low.”
Wintry weather continues to plague the region causing uncertain driving conditions and increasing potential for accidents.
“Its ironic when you consider the fact that the weather that keeps donors from reaching blood drives is also responsible for the increase in accidents that calls for the use of blood,”Bennett added.
While all types of blood are needed, anyone with O Negative blood is strongly encouraged to donate.
“O Negative is the universal donor, so in a trauma situation, such as a car accident, it may be used if there is no time to determine a patients blood type,”said Tim Miller, senior director of donor services.”Adding to the seriousness of the shortage, those with O Negative blood can only receive their own type in a transfusion.”
Bennett said that they must collect 1,095 units each weekday to meet minimum patient needs. Blood collected in the Greater Alleghenies Region is used in more than 100 hospitals in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky.
“We would like to encourage everyone to continue to donate blood on a regular basis to meet the needs of hospital patients,”she said.
Because of the ongoing need for blood, Bennett says that its important for everyone to become a regular donor, and that blood can be donated every 56 days.
“Blood cannot be manufactured, and there is NO substitute for blood,”she added.
March American Red Cross Blood Drives at WVU :
Monday, March 3, 1-7 p.m., WVUStudentRecreationCenter, Multipurpose Room. (Part of National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week, March 3-7, being celebrated at WVU s StudentRecreationCenter.)
Monday, March 10, noon-6 p.m., Coliseum, Jerry West Lounge, sponsored by the WVU Red Cross Club
Wednesday, March 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., HealthSciencesCenter, John Jones Conference Room, appointments only. Please call 598-4095.
For more information, donors may call the American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Region, at 1-800-542-5663