Red Cross: Weather impact creates need for blood, platelets
Storms, wildfires generate blood drive cancellations; blood products uncollected
The American Red Cross encourages donors to give blood or platelets now to help protect the blood supply from the ongoing impact of severe winter weather and wildfires. Donors of all blood types – particularly type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed to help save lives this month.
As dangerous snow and ice continue to sweep across the country, and wildfires in Southern California continue to burn and impact air quality, Red Cross blood drive cancellations have grown into the hundreds. Collectively, this has resulted in more than 12,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations in January.Additionally, hazardous weather conditions have the potential to make it tougher to move vital blood products across the Red Cross network, possibly affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations. As National Blood Donor Month continues, the time to give is now.
Donors are asked to book a time to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood DonorApp, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
All who come to give now through Feb. 28 will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details.
There will be an upcoming blood drive on Feb. 17, from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at the American Legion Post 73, 6 Boon Blvd., Neillsville. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to search by ZIP code for additional blood drives.
Blood donation details All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/ RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Amplify your impact – volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteer today.
Above, Jim Froeba relaxes while donating blood at the American Red Cross blood drive held in Greenwood at K& S Logistics on Jan. 16. Upcoming drives include the following: – Neillsville, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., American Legion – Loyal, Feb. 24, 12-5 p.m., American Legion – Greenwood, March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greenwood High School
VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO
