The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donors of all types to come forward and donate after blood donations dropped by 10 percent in June. That meant 50,000 fewer donations than expected.
“Those with O negative, B negative, and A negative blood are especially encouraged to give,” said American Red Cross Communications Manager Jared Schultzman. “There is a critical need for platelet donors as well.”
Platelets – which are a key component of blood often needed by cancer patients – must be transfused within five days of donation, Schultzman explained.
“So it’s important to have a steady supply of platelets on hand,” he added.
According to the American Red Cross, June has historically been a difficult month for acquiring blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving as they adjust to summer schedules.
“High school and college blood drives account for as much as 20 percent of Red Cross donations during the school year,” Schultzman said. “Donations from these drives drops by more than 80 percent when school is out for summer.”
To maintain the status quo, the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Region needs approximately 300 donors to step forward and give blood daily, according to the Red Cross. California’s pressing need for blood donations is mirrored nationwide.
“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood,” said Jeff Meyer, CEO for the Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region. “Every day donations come up short, less blood is available for these patients in need.”
Schultzman was just as concise as Meyer in his appraisal of the situation.
“It’s the blood on the shelves that can save lives when a disaster strikes,” he said.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit www.redcross.org or visit them on Twitter at @RedCross.
Upcoming local blood donation opportunities
Watsonville
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 22 at the Pajaro Valley Health Trust located at 85 Nielson St. in Watsonville.
Gilroy
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 at the First Baptist Church located at 8455 Wren Ave. in Gilroy
Salinas
Noon to 6 p.m. July 27 at Sherwood Hall located at 940 N. Main St. in Salinas.
