American Red Cross Issues National Appeal for Blood

Due to this season’s harsh winter storms throughout the country, the American Red Cross blood supply now is at its lowest level in a decade.

The organization has issued a national appeal for blood donations.  locals, who haven’t been hit as hard as other places by ice and snow, can do their share to help decrease the record-breaking shortage. 

“Since Jan. 1, we have had 28,000 cancelled blood donation appointments and over 750 blood drives cancelled,” said Marianne Spampinato, manager of marketing and communications at American Red Cross Blood Services in Johnstown. 

In just the Greater Alleghenies region, which includes parts of Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, about 1,050 blood donation appointments have been cancelled since Jan. 1.

The Red Cross has a national inventory management system, which establishes where needs for blood are greatest.

“Between our national inventory management system and the transportation systems we have access to, we can get blood wherever we need it to go,” Spampinato said. 

“Therefore, wherever people are, they should feel encouraged to donate, knowing that their blood will get to somebody right away to help them."

Each donor's blood has to pass through a series of tests, but it generally can be used within 48 hours, Spampinato said. 

Those looking to donate blood should not venture out if they don’t feel safe, she said. 

If the weather does cooperate, however, “we would certainly appreciate anyone who can get out there to donate,” Spampinato said.

All blood types are needed, but the organization has a slightly greater need for O-negative blood, as it is a universal blood type. Anyone who needs a rapid blood transfusion can be given this blood.

Even when the weather cooperates, not many people donate blood on a year-round basis.

 “About 38 percent of people are eligible to give blood, and of that number, only about 8 percent of people donate,” said Spampinato.  “That adds up to only 3 percent of the population.”

In order to be eligible to give blood, you must be healthy, at least 17 years old in most states. and fit a height and weight requirement found on the American Red Cross website.

Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, and five days for platelets.  It  is always in demand, especially with the number of cancellations there have been this season.

Unfortunately, the Red Cross does not have many donation centers near Sewickley. There are drives coming up at Hopewell Area High School, the Oncology Nursing Society in Pittsburgh and Our Lady of Peace Church in Conway.

To find Red Cross donor centers and upcoming drives near you, click here.

Also, the Central Blood Bank, whose blood donations circulate throughout 40 hospitals in the tri-state area, is always in need of blood donations, especially during the winter months. Click here to find donor locations.