Red Cross calls for blood donors after severe weather

Urgent need for platelet donors, blood donors with types O, A-negative and B-negative

[January 11, 2014]  PEORIA — As severe winter weather begins to subside, the American Red Cross is asking all eligible blood and platelet donors to help offset a weather-related shortfall in donations.

Approximately 280 blood drives across 25 states were canceled across the U.S. due to snow and extreme cold. The blood drive cancellations resulted in a shortfall of nearly 8,400 blood and platelet donations since Jan. 2.

"It's the blood products already on the shelves that help save lives when severe weather hits," said Shelly Heiden, community CEO of the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. "Thanks to generous Red Cross blood and platelet donors, blood products were available for patients who still needed transfusions despite the weather. Now we invite those previously 'frozen out' from giving blood or platelets to come in soon."

Platelet donors, as well as blood donors with the most in-demand blood types — O-positive and negative, A-negative, and B-negative — are urgently needed to give blood in the days and weeks ahead to offset the shortfall.

Platelets, a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are constantly needed. Red blood cells, the oxygen-carrying component of blood, are the most widely transfused blood product and must be transfused within 42 days.

Upcoming blood donation opportunity in Logan County:

• Jan. 15, from noon to 5 p.m. at Lincoln Park District sports complex, 1400 Primm Road

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.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 of age (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

[Text from file received from the American Red Cross]

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit www.redcross.org or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.