Blood supplies critically low

The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region is facing a critical blood shortage and today issued an appeal for blood donors.

Many donors are busy or traveling, school is out of session and donations in May and June dropped to the lowest levels the Red Cross has seen during this timeframe in more than a dozen years.

Demand for blood remained steady during this same period, which is why the Red Cross needs people — now more than ever — to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.

The Red Cross has responded to more than 40 major disasters in more than 30 states over the past three months alone — delivering help and hope to people affected by floods, tornadoes and wildfires. But there’s another, more personal, kind of disaster which can happen to anyone at any time if blood is needed and it’s not available.

“As a physician, I have seen first-hand how blood transfusions can truly help save lives,” said Dr. Thomas Lightfoot, medical director of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. ”However, a critical blood shortage like the one we’re experiencing right now could have a devastating effect on a patient whose survival may depend on blood being there when needed.”

Longtime blood donor Keith Eddins knows that feeling firsthand. Six months ago, he was only three miles from his home in Randleman, when his car crashed into several deer and he suffered critical injuries, including a skull fracture, broken back and internal injuries. That day in the emergency room, doctors used 14 units of blood to stabilize Eddins. After eight surgeries, Eddins had received a total of 22 units of blood.

The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

Most healthy people who are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Local blood drive planned are:

• Wednesday, July 13, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Rowan Cabarrus Community College North Campus, 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd. For an appointment, call Natasha Lipscomb at 704-216-3622 or the American Red Cross at 704-633-3854.

• Sunday, July 17, 1-5:30 p.m., Concordia Lutheran Church, 185 Concordia Church Road, China Grove. For an appointment, call Shelby Karriker at 704-857-7051.

• Sunday, July 24, 1-5:30 p.m., Millbridge Ruritan, 340 Sloan Rd., Salisbury. For an appointment, call Dave Kern at 704-637-9011.

• Sunday, July 24, 1-5:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 108 W. Rice Street, Landis. For an appointment, call Lesa Ellis 704-857-7884.

• Sunday, July 24, 12-4:30 p.m., Woodleaf community, South River United Methodist Church, 2880 South River Church Road, Woodleaf. For an appointment, call Rene Atwell 704-278-9185.

• Tuesday, July 26, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Rowan County Summer Blood Drive, Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. For an appointment, call the Red Cross Office 704-633-3854.

• Friday, July 31, 1:30-6 p.m., Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, 750 Mt. Moriah Church Road, China Grove. For an appointment, call Sharon Hodges 704-857-0547.

The blood drive schedule is subject to change. Call the local Red Cross office at 704-633-3854 for updated information.