News Release: July 5, 2005
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
The American Red Cross today announced an emergency situation with the nation’s blood supply - a critical blood shortage, both here in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, and across the United States. Red Cross is urging anyone who is eligible to give blood to call 1-800-GIVE LIFE as soon as possible to find a blood donation site near them.
The Red Cross bloodmobile will visit the Nesquehoning Recreational Center, W. Railroad Street, Nesquehoning, on Monday, July 25, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good health may give blood.
“We have had several patients needing blood we do not have available,” explained Northeastern Pennsylvania Blood Services Associate Medical Director Dr. Thomas Lightfoot. “One patient needed multiple transfusions of O-negative blood due to internal bleeding. Doctors had to stabilize the patient with the transfusions before they could work to detect the source of the bleeding. There were not enough O-negative red cells in our inventory, forcing us to bring blood in from other areas of the country.
“Because the blood shortage is nationwide, bringing blood in here from other areas to help one of our patients is becoming increasingly difficult,” Dr. Lightfoot continued. “People in this area need to respond now, and tomorrow, and throughout the summer and give blood.”
Describing the national situation, Dr. Jerry Squires, chief medical officer, American Red Cross Biomedical Services, explained, “Right now patients in hospitals across the country need you to roll up your sleeve and give the gift of lifesaving blood. Blood must be available at a moment’s notice to help patients in need. We have reached an emergency situation and the blood will not be there without the immediate response of generous, volunteer blood donors.”
The Red Cross is appealing to all eligible people to donate blood now.
