Red Cross Adds July 26 Blood Drive to Help Ease Current Critical Blood Shortage

Red Cross Adds July 26 Blood Drive to Help Ease Current Critical Blood Shortage

News Release: July 14, 2004
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

This week the American Red Cross made a national appeal for blood donors to help relieve the serious nationwide shortage of blood supplies.

In order to meet the needs of hospital patients throughout the nation, the American Red Cross strongly urges anyone who is eligible to donate blood to call 1-800 GIVE-LIFE as soon as possible. There is currently a critical blood shortage, and without more blood on the shelves, the American Red Cross cannot ensure that hospitals will have the blood they need to treat all patients.

To boost local supplies, the Red Cross Carbon County Branch has scheduled an additional blood drive in July. “We are adding a blood drive on July 26 to help ease the critical shortage,” said Carl Kist, Red Cross Carbon County Branch manager. “We are in a very serious situation right now.”

The blood drive will be held on Monday, July 26, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at First United Church of Christ, 457 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton.

At the beginning of July, blood supplies nationwide reached their lowest point of the year with most of the country falling below a two-day supply and many below a one-day supply of blood. Since then, inventory has plunged even lower, and more importantly, the need for blood is climbing. In fact, the demand for blood products is higher than ever.

“Right now, patients in hospitals across the country need you to roll up your sleeve and give the gift of lifesaving blood,” said Dr. Linda Chambers, Senior Medical Officer, American Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Blood must be available at a moment’s notice to help anyone in need. It will not be there without generous, volunteer blood donors like you.”

The Red Cross is appealing to all eligible individuals to donate blood and is particularly interested in Type O negative blood as this is the universal blood donor type, meaning it can be transfused to anyone in case of emergencies.

Anyone at least 17 years of age who weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good health is a potential blood donor. The Red Cross strongly urges everyone who meets these conditions to donate blood as soon as possible to help build the area’s blood supply to a safe level. For more information, call the local Red Cross at (610) 377-2100 or 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.