Immediate Blood Donations Needed to Address Winter Blood Shortage

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (02/15/2008)(readMedia)-- The American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region is urgently calling for all eligible donors to help avoid a serious blood shortage. The Region’s blood inventory has become increasingly low due to cancelled drives and low donor turnout during this past week’s severe cold weather and winter snow storms. More than 1,977 units of blood have gone uncollected as of February 1. This equates to a loss of one and a half days supply of blood. Currently, the Region has less than a five-day supply. The optimum inventory level to meet everyday patient needs and to be prepared for large scale emergencies is a five-to-seven-day supply. Donors who had scheduled appointments to give blood but had to cancel are asked to reschedule appointments as soon as they can safely travel.

All current eligible and new donors are urged to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood today by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org. Anyone 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. In New York State, 16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original signed New York State Informed Parental Permission for a 16-Year-Old to Donate Whole Blood to the blood drive. The consent form can be found at www.DonateBloodNow.org/16. Identification is required at the time of donation to give blood.

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