Blood Donors Urgently Needed After Canceled Donations; Drives Coming Up In Santa Cruz, Nearby

Information submitted by Red Cross:

Following round after round of snow, freezing rain and arctic cold in many parts of the country, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for eligible blood and platelet donors to give now to help restock its shelves. March storms forced the cancellation of more than 200 blood drives, resulting in nearly 7,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations.

This shortfall follows more than 26,400 uncollected blood and platelet donations in February due to severe weather across 27 states. Despite the weather, hospital patients still rely on transfusion.

“Blood products are being delivered to hospitals almost as quickly as they come in,” said Sara O’Brien of the Northern California Blood Services Region. “Donors who give now aren’t just restocking our shelves, they are making sure hope continues to be available for patients in need.”

When donors give blood or platelets, they are helping patients like 16-year-old Tyra Watkins, a student at Benicia High School. Watkins is diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, a genetic disease which can require blood transfusions as ongoing treatment.

Residents in unaffected areas can help the Red Cross restock its shelves immediately. As a national network, the Red Cross can help ensure blood products are available for patients at local hospitals as well as hospitals throughout the country.

The Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to make and keep appointments in the coming days. Platelet donors, as well as blood donors with the most in-demand blood types – O negative, A negative and B negative – are particularly encouraged to give now to help replenish the blood supply. Platelets help prevent massive blood loss and are a vital part of cancer and organ transplant treatments. With a shelf life of just five days, platelet donations are especially needed. Eligible donors with types O negative, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to donate double red cells where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

To find a convenient donation opportunity and schedule an appointment, donors can download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Santa Cruz County:

• 3/14/2015: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder Creek
• 3/18/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz
• 3/18/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Whole Foods Capitola, 1710 41st Ave., Capitola
• 3/20/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9, Felton
• 3/20/2015: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Photo courtesy Shutterstock

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