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Red Cross urges donors to have a heart: Give blood
Winter challenging for blood supply

February 1, 2009

"You gotta have heart" to help save a life. By giving blood through the American Red Cross in the next few weeks, eligible donors can help save the lives of up to three people, and recognize two heart-felt events: Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month.

The winter months can be a challenging time for the blood supply since blood donations can decline week-to-week, and day-to-day as poor weather conditions can make it hard to travel to donate. Those up-again, down-again donations can contribute to blood shortages, particularly of high demand blood types like type O-negative.

Blood products are used every day to help patients being treated for accidents, routine surgeries, and serious diseases such as cancer and sickle cell disease. In addition, patients with heart disease often have transfusion needs.

Meghan’s story: Five-year-old Meghan Archer was diagnosed with congenital heart defect when she was just 17 days old. This caused the need for two open heart surgeries which required blood transfusions for Meghan. Today, Meghan and her family happily support regular blood donations and the American Heart Association for helping Meghan continue to live.

12/09AP1073

Media contacts

Central Ohio
Blood Services

(614) 253-2740
1-800-338-8086

Rodney J. Wilson
Communications Manager
extension 2347
e-mail

Heather Reichle
Communications Specialist
extension 2275
e-mail

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