Blood donation needs surge during shortage Shortage continues for blood as summer draws to a close

Shortage continues for blood as summer draws to a close,American Red Cross Blood Donations  Blood

ALBANY — In the weeks leading up to fall, officials with the American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region are asking citizens to roll up their sleeves as part of an effort to overcome a critical blood shortage.
“The summer months are among the most challenging times of year to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs,” Red Cross officials said. “Many regular donors delay giving while they take vacation and participate in summer activities. The need for blood doesn’t take a summer break, though.”
The organization issued a nationwide emergency request in July for blood and platelet donations. Despite the positive response, Red Cross officials say, the blood shortage remains critical. At times, officials say, blood and platelets have been distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in over the last few weeks, impacting the organization’s ability to rebuild its blood supply.
Red Cross officials say they strive to have, at minimum, a five-day supply of blood and platelets available to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that can require significant volumes of donated blood products.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to give immediately to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and double red cells can be donated every 112 days.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
— Tuesday, noon-6 p.m., Tifton First United Methodist Church, 107 W. 12th St., Tifton
— Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, 417 W. Third Ave., Albany
— Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Americus First Baptist Church, 211 S. Lee St., Americus
— Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Chick-fil-A, 2703 Dawson Road, Albany
— Aug. 26, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Tift Regional Medical Center, 901 East 18th St., Tifton
— Aug. 30, noon-5 p.m., Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany
Source :https://www.rt.com

TAGS: American Red Cross Blood Donations  Blood 
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