Red Cross issues emergency call for blood donors

The American Red Cross reports that it has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to make a donation appointment now and help save patient lives. 

Area residents can be donors at an American Red Cross blood drive which is planned next week at a Union County school.

The drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. To learn how to be a donor, contact the high school office at 833-8502.

The American Red Cross reports that hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed. 

Snowstorms and severe weather have also impacted donations. Nearly 100 blood drives were forced to cancel in December, resulting in more than 3,100 blood donations going uncollected.

“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” Red Cross Blood Services communications director Nick Gehrig said in a news release. 

“We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.”

How to Help

Find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood or platelets. 

Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks. 

Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help speed up the donation process.

“In about an hour, you can help save someone’s life. This simple act can have a profound impact on another human being,” Gehrig said. 

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood to save their lives.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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