Emergency Call for Blood Donors
By: Alan Gibson American Red Cross
Updated: June 25, 2012
SPRINGFIELD, MO---The American Red Cross blood supply has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. The short leaves the Red Cross with only half the readily available blood supply on hand. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative, and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer.
"Everday, the Red Cross must collect more than 17,000 pints of blood for patients at more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Of that, the Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Blood Services Region must collect approx. 400 pints per day," says Vincent Edwards CEO of the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region. "We need donors to make appointments in the coming days and weeks to help us ensure that all patient blood needs can be met. Each pint of whole blood can help save more than one life."
"There is always the chance that a physician could postpone an elective surgery if the needed blood products aren't readily available or, in worst case scenario, have to forego a more serious procedure because of a shortage of blood." Edwards says. "Our goal is to ensure that doesn't happen."
Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years old (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be elgible to donate blood. High School students and other donors 18 years old and older also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunites
June 25 Walmart Branson, MO 1:30PM-5:30PM
June 25 Ozark Community Center Ozark, MO 3:00PM-7:00PM
June 25 Springfield Donor Center Springfield, MO 10:00AM-6:00PM
313 E Battlefield
June 26 Crowder College Crowder, MO 11:00AM-5:00PM
June 26 Walmart- Nevada Nevada, MO 1:00PM-6:00PM
June 26 Walmart Ozark Ozark, MO 2:00PM-6:00PM
A full revised caleder of all remaining June drives with updated hours will follow. Donors may call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org to locate all drives in their area or along their travel routes.
