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Media Center December donations take a dip December 9, 2008 COLUMBUS, Ohio – With the holidays, travel plans and frigid weather, blood donations are on the decline. Already in Central Ohio, blood donations have dipped 7 percent below what is needed. Since the first of December, the number of people coming to give blood has continued to decline. Over the last weekend, winter weather conditions caused many donors to not show up for scheduled appointments to donate. Of those who are still coming to give blood, there is a high number who exhibit cold and flu symptoms, which means they have to be turned away until they are well. “We usually see the effects of cold and flu on blood donations later in the winter,” said Rodney Wilson, spokesperson for the Central Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “With the weather turning colder earlier this year, the number of people who are sick and not able to give blood has jumped.” While several of the eight blood types have dropped to a low inventory, the universal blood type, O-negative, is in need of an immediate boost. The average daily usage of O-negative blood in Central Ohio is 100 pints. Today the Red Cross has 40 pints, less than half a day’s supply. The holiday period is always a challenging time to ensure a strong blood supply. Already down by more than 150 donations, the local Red Cross is asking anyone who is healthy to share their good health and come give blood. Anyone, even a member of your own family, could need blood. In fact, every two seconds someone in America will need blood. That is why blood donations are so important – especially during this time of year. 12/08AP1041
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Media contacts Central Ohio Rodney
J. Wilson Heather
Reichle Other Red Cross National |
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