Request from the American Red Cross

[Palmer, Shelley]

To all:

The American Red Cross is facing a looming blood shortage, leading to an urgent need for donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give.

Donations through the Red Cross are down approximately 8 percent over the last 11 weeks, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected. The number of donors continues to decline, and the shortfall is significant enough that the Red Cross could experience an emergency situation in the coming weeks.

"Hospital patients continue to need lifesaving blood this summer, and they're relying on the generosity of volunteer donors to give them hope in the days and weeks ahead," said Rodney Wilson, Communications Manager for the Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services Region. "Please, consider giving the gift of life. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for patients in need - and you never know when it could be your loved one needing blood."

Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed at this time. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

There is also an urgent need for platelet donations. Platelets - a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, burn victims and bone marrow recipients - must be transfused within five days of donation, so it's important to have a steady supply of platelets.

The next blood drive in the PRB is next Tuesday, July 29, 2014 - 10 am - 4 pm - Please sign up today!



Shelley



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