Red Cross: Summer critical blood shortge continues
While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains.
The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.
At times, blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products.
“The Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now and help save patient lives,” said Neil Tosuntikool, donor recruitment director of the Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region. “We are grateful for those who have already stepped up this summer to give and want to remind those who are eligible that hospital patients are still counting on them to roll up a sleeve.”
Every two seconds
In the U.S., every two seconds someone like Ray Poulin needs blood or platelets. Poulin’s liver and kidneys failed following a serious blood infection. The situation became urgent when his liver hemorrhaged. He was given a 10 percent chance of survival. After receiving 77 units of blood, Poulin defied the odds.
“There was a lot that went into saving my life, but if the blood wasn’t available when I needed it, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Poulin.
Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
All blood types urgently needed
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood or platelets between July 25 and Aug. 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 25-Aug. 15
Crook County
Prineville
8/3/2016: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Elks Lodge 1814, 151 N Main St.
8/10/2016: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., High Desert Christian Academy Church, 839 S Main St.
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Deschutes County
Bend
7/26/2016: 9 a.m. – noon, Oregon State University, 2600 NW College Way
7/26/2016: noon – 6 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
7/26/2016: 2:30 – 5:30 p.m., Athletic Club of Bend, 61615 Athletic Club Drive
7/27/2016: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
7/28/2016: 1 – 6 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
7/29/2016: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hydro Flask, 561 NW York Ave.
7/29/2016: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/1/2016: 1 – 6:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/2/2016: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., City of Bend Police Department, 555 NE 15th St.
8/2/2016: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/3/2016: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/4/2016: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/5/2016: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/8/2016: 1 – 6:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/9/2016: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., National Guard Armory-Bend, 875 SW Simpson Ave.
8/9/2016: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/10/2016: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Juniper Swim & Fitness, 800 NE 6th St.
8/10/2016: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/11/2016: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Center Bend, 2200 NE Neff Road
8/11/2016: noon – 5:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St.
8/12/2016: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
8/12/2016: 1 – 6 p.m., Factory Outlet Stores – Subway, 61300 S. Highway 97
8/15/2016: 1 – 6:30 p.m., Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Suite 110
Redmond
7/27/2016: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Walmart Redmond, 300 NW Oak Tree Lane
8/2/2016: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., LDS – Redmond OR Stake, 450 SW Rimrock
8/11/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., RAPRD, 465 SW Rimrock Drive
Sisters
8/1/2016: 1 – 6 p.m., Sisters Community Hall, 301 SE Elm St.
Sunriver
8/5/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunriver Library, 56855 Venture Lane
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Jefferson County
Culver
7/28/2016: 12:30 – 6 p.m., Culver Christian Church, 501 W. 4th St.
Terrebonne
7/28/2016: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., Fire & Rescue, 6971 Shad Road
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Wheeler County
Fossil
8/4/2016: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wheeler County Fairgrounds, 702 NE 3rd St.
Spray
8/3/2016: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., The Rock, 601 Willow Drive
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
