The American Red Cross is issuing an emergency call for blood donors to give now.
Jan Hale, Communications Manager, says a lack of donations over the holidays, multiple winter storms and the partial government shutdown have attributed to the low supply.
“That has created pretty much a perfect storm, we have right now a real emergency need for blood donations,” said Hale.
Hale said their blood donations are being delivered to hospitals quicker than they are coming into the Red Cross.
“The Red Cross likes to keep about a five day supply, we are running below a three day supply right now,” said Hale.
Hale said there are multiple upcoming donation events in the area or you can click here to find out more about donating anytime.
Listen to “American Red Cross’ Jan Hale discusses emergency need for blood donations” on Spreaker.
News release from the American Red Cross:
BRYAN, Texas (Jan. 29, 2019) — The American Red Cross is reissuing its emergency call for blood donors to give now after multiple snow storms, frigid temperatures and the government shutdown has further reduced lifesaving donations.
In January, more than 4,600 Red Cross blood donations went uncollected as blood drives were forced to cancel due to severe winter weather blanketing parts of the U.S., and additional cancellations are expected this week. Weather travel advisories may cause even more donors to delay their planned donations.
The federal government shutdown also affected donations as more than 4 percent of Red Cross blood collections come from drives sponsored by military and local, state and federal government agencies. About 30 blood drives hosted by federal offices were canceled across the country due to the shutdown, leaving more than 900 donations uncollected.
“Disruptions to blood and platelet donations jeopardize the availability of blood for patients who depend on transfusions for survival,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “We’re grateful for all those who have come out to give since we issued our emergency call earlier this month and now urge others to come out and give to prevent delays in essential medical care.”
Right now, Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and there is less than a three-day supply of most blood types on hand. The Red Cross strives to maintain a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.
All eligible donors, especially blood donors with type O blood, are urgently needed to help restock the shelves for hospital patients. Donation appointments can be easily scheduled by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 29-Feb. 28
Brazos
Bryan
2/5/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Red Cross-Brazos Valley Office, 4240 Boonville Road
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Grimes
Navasota
2/12/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 616 Holland
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Lampasas
Lampasas
2/4/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., First Street Church of Christ, 201 West 1st Street
How to donate blood:
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red 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, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.