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DATE: December 28, 2006
American Red Cross urges donors to give
to replenish post holiday blood supply
--Type O-negative critically low; patient care could be compromised--
The American Red Cross is urging everyone who can to
give blood during the holiday season and into the New Year to help offset a drop
in donations that can threaten patient care in Michigan hospitals. All blood types
are needed, but there is a particular need for donors with Type O-negative. Current
supplies of "the universal donor" are at emergency levels, with just a half-day on
the shelves in the Red Cross region that serves 65 counties and 70 Michigan
hospitals. "While this time of year is the season of giving, it's also the time
when blood donations plummet," says Sharon Jaksa, CEO of the American Red Cross
Great Lakes Region Blood Services. "The need for blood never takes a holiday."
Each day, the Great Lakes Region needs about 700 blood donations to support patients
undergoing chemotherapy, emergency and trauma care, and medical treatments for
serious diseases and surgeries.
Donations historically decline during the winter season when eligible donors are
away from home, school and work, and busy with holiday activities and travel. For
the past week, the number of people giving blood has declined 10 to 15 percent,
putting a strain on blood availability. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old,
weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. For information on a blood
drive in any of the 65 counties served by the Great Lakes Region,
call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.givelife.org.
The West Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross is holding the following upcoming blood drive (walk-in donors are welcome):
Wednesday, January 3, 2007 Good Shepard Lutheran Church Manistee 12 noon. -6 p.m.
Wednesday, January 3, 1007 United Methodist Church Scottville 12 noon - 6 p.m.
Thursday, January 4, 2006 Ludington City Hall Ludington 12 noon. -6 p.m.
Friday, January 5, 2006 Memorial Medical Center Ludington 10 am - 4 p.m.
The West Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross is a United Way Member Agency.
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