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Holiday weekend blood usage causes concern about
local supply
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[JULY 9, 2003]
An unprecedented joint press release
issued by America's Blood Centers, the American Association of Blood
Banks and the American Red Cross outlines the serious nationwide
need for blood donations. Unfortunately, holiday weekend usage and
diminished blood donations over the past few weeks are causing
concern locally for Central
Illinois Community Blood Center.
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Blood collections last week averaged
114 units per day. ONE accident victim has already used 92 units of
blood products and is still using blood components. In addition,
other accident victims and patients with chronic blood needs must be
kept alive. This underscores the necessity of having an ample blood
supply on the shelf when someone needs it.
"There can be no better time to donate
blood," said David Parsons, CEO of Central Illinois Community Blood
Center. "We need regular donors, those who have never donated and
those people who have not donated for a long time to step up and
help. All blood types are needed."
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You may donate blood if you are at
least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed permission slip from
parent or guardian), weigh at least 110 pounds, are in good health
and have not donated in the past 56 days (eight weeks). There is no
upper age limit. You need to eat well before you donate, and you
need to bring a picture ID or two other forms of ID. As a blood
donor, you are truly saving lives.
For more information, call the blood
center at 753-1530.
Please
donate blood. It's about life.
[CICBC
press release]
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