American Red Cross Needs Life Savers
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
A car accident, a heart transplant, or even a chronic illness are the critical times when a patient needs help. But the organization known for helping them, is in a critical situation of its own.
The American Red Cross says blood supplies are low and without the public`s help, it will only get worse.
The Red Cross` BloodMobile didn`t move to quickly sitting in a Bryant church parking lot, Sunday morning.
"This summer hs been pretty slow, even during the week," said Rebecca Harris, a phlebotomist for the American Red Cross.
The van sat empty as nurses prepared for the donors who would eventually arrive. But in five hours, they only collected 15 units of blood.
"With everybody being on vacation, it being so hot outside, nobody wants to give, then go outside in that heat," said Harris.
Eventually a few donors show up after church service, but it won`t be enough to rescue the blood supploy from its dangerous level.
The Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region of the Red Cross says it needs 1,529 units of blood to operate. Last week, it only had 376.
"We`ve been running at most of our blood types less than a 1 day supply, which we like to have 3 to 7 days," said Christel Barnes, with the Red Cross.
She says the region had six major medical emergencies last week, depleting whatever supply of blood there was. And with the problem spread nationwide, importing blood from other regions is more difficult.
"They`re holding onto their own supply because they have emergencies and situations in their own local hospitals," Barnes said.
So as hospitals need the blood for heart transplants and accident victims, the Red Cross is hoping more people will give the gift of life, before it`s too late for anyone else to use it.
The Red Cross says it will take more than just a few good days to get back on its feet, donors should try to come back and donate again after 57 days.
To donate you must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have a valid photo ID or donor card. To learn where to donate, call 1-800-GIVELIFE.
