GILROY
– The American Red Cross is asking that residents make
appointments now to donate blood.
The supply of Type O blood, known as the universal blood type,
is down to less than half a day’s needs.
GILROY – The American Red Cross is asking that residents make appointments now to donate blood.
The supply of Type O blood, known as the universal blood type, is down to less than half a day’s needs.
“Every 2 seconds, someone needs blood,” says Red Cross spokeswoman Sara O’Brien. “With family vacations, school closings and the long holiday weekend, the blood supply has reached critically low levels.”
Donating blood takes about an hour, with the actual donation lasting about seven minutes.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in general good health.
Also, drink plenty of water and eat a light meal before giving blood.
Blood is perishable and the need is urgent.
To make a life-saving appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.BeADonor.com.
In addition, the Red Cross needs additional sponsors to hold blood drives at their businesses, organizations and/or schools this summer. Sites are especially needed in Gilroy, Hollister, Morgan Hill, Salinas, Santa Cruz and Watsonville.
Every month, the American Red Cross brings 30 percent of the blood it needs for Bay Area hospitals in from other states just to meet a minimum supply of 2 days worth of blood on the shelf. In case of disaster, the Red Cross would prefer to have a 5 to 7 day blood supply available.
Sponsors need to be able to recruit at least 40 donors and have a single empty room with 1,000 square feet.
Details: Lori Peterson at (510) 773-2404.
