Blood Emergency Continues; Southeast Michigan Residents Urged to Donate Blood Immediately
02.11.2006 09:30 Political Press Releases
To: National Desk
Contact: Marie Mangus of the Red Cross, 313-549-7024
DETROIT, Nov. 2 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The local blood supply is nearly empty, reports the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. All eligible donors are urged to act now and give blood.
Currently, inventory levels of the most critical blood types are less than 300 units - local hospitals require 900 units of blood each day to save lives and perform routine surgeries. If blood supplies do not immediately increase, accident victims and other critically injured patients will be at risk for not having the blood they require to survive. The current blood shortage has forced area hospitals to make tough transfusion decisions on whether or not to proceed with some elective surgeries.
Blood availability is a preparedness issue. Blood must be on the shelf, ready and available before everyday medical care, personal emergencies and large- scale, man-made or natural disasters occur. The key to community preparedness is regular blood donations. Diane E. Ward, CEO American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services cautions, "Compared to last year, our donations dropped by 7,000 in just three months from July through September. The Southeastern Michigan Blood Region has struggled since mid-May to collect the 900 units needed each day to meet patient needs in our area." Ward goes on to say, "In times of disaster, the community always responds in large numbers to donate. If we are unable to rebuild our blood supply, it will be a "man-made" disaster waiting to happen. Without immediate help from donors, we will not be prepared to meet the blood needs of local patients during the winter months and holiday season, when blood donations typically slow down."
Every eligible individual is urged to call 1-800- GIVE-LIFE now and make an appointment to give blood. To donate blood you must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be 17 years of age or older.
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