Summer is a catalyst for a dangerously low blood supply
The American Red Cross urges Americans to make donating blood routine

-- Jc Drobac

Twin Cities’ North Central Blood Service (NCBS), a division of the American Red Cross, presently maintains a dangerously low blood supply, says Jack Sheehan, public relations representative.

One to two day’s worth of blood supply is available right now. A three to five day’s supply is preferred.

“This comes with summer. The vacations and distractions make them forget appointments,” explains Sheehan. “The blood supply has been as low as only a quarter to half day’s supply many times this summer. When that happens, we literally are shipping blood out within minutes after it’s donated.”

The NCBS provides the entire blood supply to more than 100 hospitals in an 87,000 square mile area that includes the metro, western Wisconsin, northeast Iowa and east South Dakota. The blood is used for elective or emergency surgeries, and transfusions for cancer and leukemia patients. NCBS needs 1,000 pints per day, five days per week to provide adequate coverage to the hospitals.

Sheehan says all negative types of blood, such as A, AB and O, are desperately needed right now and the need will likely continue until the end of September.

“It’s easier than ever to give blood these days,” he adds. “You can call the 800-GIVE-LIFE phone number, or make an appointment online. Or you can just show up at any blood mobile. That might take you a little longer, but we always welcome walk-ins.”

To be eligible to donate, NCBS requires donors to:

1. Be at least 17 years old (there is no maximum age limit);
2. Weigh at least 100 pounds;
3. Be considered in good health;
4. Not have donated blood for at least 56 days;
5. Have proper identification (either a driver’s license or Red Cross donor card; high school students must have a school official vouch for his or her age and identity).

NCBS’ Web site, http://www.yourbloodcenter.org, also explains needles and bags used to collect blood are used only once and discarded, making the spread of any infection through donation impossible.

The American Red Cross thoroughly tests donations for numerous diseases, including STDs and HIV. And, as of June 2003, it performs ucleic acid application testing for West Nile Virus, too.

Sheehan explains the necessary deferring of some donors, saying “Regulations are set by the FDA. Yes, deferring donors affects the level of available blood, but the safety of the blood supply is paramount. We’d rather error on the side of caution.”

The FDA’s concern with Mad Cow Disease in the last few years and keeping the blood supply untainted, has affected donors’ eligibility as well. If donors have visited certain parts of Europe in the last 15 years, they may discover they are ineligible to donate.

By age 75, nearly all Americans will need blood in their lifetimes, explains yourbloodcenter.org. The American Red Cross urges Americans to make donating blood a regular part of their routines, which will help ensure blood is available when the need arises and assist hospitals avoid the potential for hesitation when it comes to saving a life.

To find out if your blood type is needed now, or to donate, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
Or log on to http://www.yourbloodcenter.org to find a blood mobile near you, make an appointment or do a walk-in donation.

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