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Red Cross desperate for blood donors

By Rebekah Sungala 3 min read

With blood supplies dangerously low, the American Red Cross is asking people to take the time to donate blood during the holiday weekend. Marianne Spampinato, director of public relations, said some blood types are nearing emergency levels in the Greater Allegheny Region.

She said there is currently less than a one day’s supply of O, A and B negative type blood in reserve in the agency’s 100-county region, which includes Washington, Fayette and Greene counties. There is a two-day supply in reserve for all other blood types, she said.

“Supplies of all blood types are well below the optimal week’s supply,” Spampinato said. “We’ve been operating at that level for awhile. Ideally, we would like to have a week’s supply of all blood types in reserve.”

With the Fourth of July approaching, Spampinato said the Red Cross is bracing itself for what may be a long weekend of blood shortages across the region.

She said it is difficult to collect blood during the holiday because many people are traveling and are involved in activities, but said donations are crucial because this is a time of year when the need for blood increases.

Vehicle accidents are more likely to occur since the roadways are crowded and people are more likely to be injured taking part in outdoor activities, she said.

According to statistics provided by Red Cross, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion every two seconds, and a person who sustains multiple traumatic injuries typically requires between four and 40 units of blood.

In order to meet that need, each Red Cross agency needs to collect at least 1,000 units of blood each weekday.

Spampinato said the Greater Allegheny Region has been collecting, on average, about 500 units a day.

“We always need to keep reiterating how important it is for people to donate blood,” she said.

In order to donate blood, Spampinato said the donor must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 105 pounds and be in general good health. She said many people who have medical conditions, such as diabetes, or are taking medications can still donate.

“Don’t assume just because you have a medical condition that you can’t give blood,” she said. “In a given year, only about five percent of the eligible public who could donate actually donates.”

Blood drives will be going on throughout the holiday weekend, and Spampinato said the Greater Allegheny Region, which supplies blood to 100 hospitals, hopes to collect at east 300 units on the Fourth of July.

“We can’t go a holiday without having blood collected. Hospitals operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and people need blood,” she said.

Spampinato said it takes about 48 hours after the blood is collected for it to be made ready for use.

She said potential donors can find out when a blood drive is going to be held close to them by going to www.redcrosslife.org or calling 1-800-GIVELIFE. Anyone with questions at to whether he or she is eligible to donate blood can call 1-800-542-5663.

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