Severe Winter Weather Affects Red Cross Blood, Platelet Donations

March 10, 2015 – Following round after round of snow, freezing rain and arctic cold in many parts of the country, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for eligible blood and platelet donors to give now to help restock its shelves.

March storms forced the cancellation of more than 200 blood drives, resulting in nearly 7,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. This shortfall follows more than 26,400 uncollected blood and platelet donations in February due to severe weather across 27 states. In the Red Cross Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region, serving 100 counties in parts of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia., 10 blood drives were canceled, causing more than 320 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This brings to 1,280 the total number of blood and platelet donations that have gone uncollected since the beginning of the year. Despite the weather, hospital patients still rely on transfusions.

“Blood products are being delivered to hospitals almost as quickly as they come in,” said Steve Mavica, Communications Manager for the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region. “Donors who give now aren’t just restocking our shelves, they are making sure hope continues to be available for patients in need.”

The Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to make and keep appointments to help restock its shelves. Platelet donors, as well as blood donors with the most in-demand blood types – O negative, A negative and B negative – are particularly encouraged to give in the days and weeks to come to help replenish the blood supply.

Platelets help prevent massive blood loss and are a vital part of cancer and organ transplant treatments. With a shelf life of just five days, platelet donations are especially needed. Eligible donors with types O negative, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to donate double red cells where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

To find a convenient donation opportunity and schedule an appointment, donors can download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Middleport
3/12/2015: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Meigs Primary School, 36871 State Rt. 124