Red Cross Blood Donations at Seriously Low Level; Blood Donors Needed
Blood donations nationally have been declining this summer and supplies are at seriously low levels. Though the American Red Cross issued a national appeal for blood donors on July 11, blood products are going out to area hospitals just as quickly as donations are coming in.
All blood types are needed - especially type O negative, B negative and A negative - to ensure blood supplies do not drop to emergency levels."Summer blood donors can mean the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage," said Shelly Heiden, CEO of the Heart of America Red Cross Blood Services region. "We are asking eligible donors to make appointments in the coming days to reverse the downward trend in donations that we have seen this summer."
With many donors busy or traveling and school out of session, donations have dropped dramatically. In fact, during May and June 2011, while the need for blood products remained steady, donations were at the lowest level during this time frame in 12 years. More recently extreme heat experienced throughout the region may be contributing to fewer donations.
The Red Cross needs blood donors - now more than ever - to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible.
To show appreciation to those who help save lives near the upcoming Labor Day holiday (August 29 to September 7), all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives and blood donation centers in the Heart of America region will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $500 gas card. This is a part of the Red Cross' summer-long Good to Give. Good to Go. promotion that features holiday-themed raffles and a chance for one lucky donor (21 and older) in the Mid-America Blood Services Division to win a trip for four (4) to Orlando, Florida.
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (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 of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in 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.
About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.
Blood Donation Opportunities
CARROLL COUNTY
8/18/2011, 1:30 pm- 6:30 pm, American Legion Hall, 221 Calvert St., Chadwick,
8/19/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St. Wendelin's Catholic Church, 102 S. Linn, Shannon
8/22/2011, 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 502 3rd Street, Savanna
8/26/2011, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Church of God, 816 S. Clay, Mount Carroll
8/30/2011, 8:00 am-11:30 am, Elkay Manufacturing, 105 N. Rochester St, Lanark
CLINTON COUNTY
8/18/2011, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm, Lyondell Chemical Company, 3400 Anamosa Road, Clinton
SCOTT COUNTY
8/26/2011, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm, Hy-Vee, 2200 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport
WHITESIDE COUNTY
8/16/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton
8/17/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls
8/23/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton
8/24/2011, 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Abiding Word Church, 806 E Lynn Blvd., Sterling
8/24/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls
8/25/2011, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls
8/31/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls
