Urgent call for blood donors

Staff report

CLEVELAND

The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region is facing a critical shortage and has issued an appeal for blood and platelet donors.

The Northern Ohio Region said in its appeal that its supply of O negative blood is particularly low, and it is also below the preferred three-day supply of B and A negative blood.

Red Cross officials said the reasons for the low blood supply are that many donors are busy or traveling, school is out of session, and donations in May and June dropped to the lowest levels the Red Cross has seen during this time frame in more than a dozen years.

Demand for blood remained steady during this same period, which is why the Red Cross needs people — now more than ever — to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient, said Dr. James Westra, medical director for the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region.

The Northern Ohio Blood Services Region provides blood to 57 hospitals, including those in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, and needs 1,000 people to give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demands, Dr. Westra said.

Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle-cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source, he said.

In some areas, the Red Cross is extending blood- drive areas and in all areas is urging eligible blood donors to make and keep appointments.

In Northeast Ohio, the Red Cross is pretty much at capacity as staffing is concerned and is not extending blood-drive hours. “We’re trying to add additional staff at larger drives; we want to make sure we have staff to get people through in a timely manner,” said Christy Chapman, Red Cross spokeswoman.

An option for people who can’t make regular blood drives are fixed donor sites where donors can make appointments to give blood. Eligible blood donors are asked to call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make an appointment.

Individuals who are 17 — 16 with parental permission in some states — meet weight and height requirements of 110 pounds or more, depending on their height, and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Potential donors are asked to bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when they come to donate.