NORTHERN OHIO Worst blood shortage ever hits regions

Deferrals for blood donors who have traveled in foreign countries have become a major problem.
The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region is facing the worst blood shortage in local history.
David Plate, chief executive officer of the Northern Ohio Region, said as of noon Monday no blood was available in five of the six types -- O Positive, O Negative, B Positive, B Negative and A Negative -- and there's only 120 pints, or about a one-half day supply, of A Positive.
"In my 10 years here, this is as bad as I've seen it," Plate said.
The Northern Ohio Blood Services Region serves 19 counties, including Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana.
Plate urged people to donate blood as soon as possible. They can call (800) GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) for blood drive times and locations in their area, he said.
To donate blood, people must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. They must bring a photo identification when they donate.
Deferrals
One of the reasons for the current shortage is the good weather, when people are doing other things that keep them from donating, Plate said.
Another major problem is deferrals, which occur when people come to give blood but are not allowed to donate for various reasons, including traveling to almost any country except Canada.
It's become a huge issue, Plate said. For example, between July 1, 2002, and June 30, 2003, 36,000 people who came to American Red Cross drives in the region were deferred temporarily or permanently.
"Our collection goal during that 12-month period was 228,000 pints, but we only collected 213,400 pints. So you can see the impact of 36,000 deferrals," Plate said.
"We've put in a lot more deferral reasons in the last few years, such as West Niles Virus and SARS, as we continue to screen donors to increase quality and safety of blood. But it is reducing the number of donors," Plate said.
If potential donors have traveled out of the country, they can call (800) GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) to determine if they are eligible.
Plate said only about 5 percent of the population nationally gives blood, even occasionally.
"We need to find more first-time donors," Plate said. "We need them to understand the seriousness of the situation."
Also, he encouraged regular donors to donate more often, if possible.
"If most people who donate once a year would do it one more time, it would help pull us out of our dilemma," Plate said.