Severe winter weather throughout much of the eastern half of the United States in recent weeks has caused the cancellation of more than 14,000 blood and platelet donations through the American Red Cross Carolinas Region.
The severity of the impact has stressed the Red Crossí national inventory management system, which can move blood products to where theyíre needed most, such as when severe weather hits.
ěWe have not seen the January supply drop this dramatically in a decade and we need to reverse this now,î said Joyce H. Brendel, American Red Cross Carolinas Regionís chief executive officer.
The Red Cross urges all eligible donors in unaffected areas to make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the coming days, and those in affected areas to donate as soon as travel is deemed safe, by calling 704-633-3854 or by visiting redcrossblood.org.
Donations will help replenish the Red Cross blood supply to ensure that blood products are readily available for patients with serious medical needs.
Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days ń they must be replenished constantly.
All blood types are needed, especially type O negative, to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
Today, 2:-6:30 p.m., Granite Quarry Elementary, 118 S. Walnut GQ St. For an appointment, call Patty Helms in the school office at 704-279-2154.
Thursday, Feb. 3, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Morgan Elementary School, 3860 Liberty Road, Gold Hill. Appointments preferred, please call Betsy Crowell at 704-636-0169.
Sunday, Feb. 6, 1-5:30 p.m., Christiana Lutheran Church, 6190 Hwy. 52. For an appointment, please call the Christy Litaker at 704-232-3706.
Feb. 6, 1-5:30 p.m., St. Matthewís Lutheran Church, 9275 Bringle Ferry Road. Drive being sponsored by Jacob Rawson, Eagle Scout Project. For an appointment, call the church office at 704-633-3770.
Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, North Campus, 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd., Salisbury. For an appointment, please call the Red Cross office at 704-633-3854.
Feb. 14, 1-5:30 p.m., American Red Cross, Salisbury Community Blood Drive, E.H. Dole Chapter, 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. W. For an appointment, please call the Red Cross office at 704-633-3854.
Feb. 20, 12:30-5 p.m., Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, 3760 Stokes Ferry Road. For an appointment, call the chuch office 704-645-9328.
Feb. 20, 1-5:30 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, Mt. Ulla, 620 Centenary Road. For an appointment, please call Pam Allred 704-877-4377.
Feb 24, 2:30-7 p.m., St. Johnís Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. Appointments preferred, please call Judy Trexler at 704-633-9392.
Feb. 25, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Genesis Eldercare, 710 Julian Road, Salisbury. For an appointment, call Denise Daugherty at 704-636-5812.
Feb. 27, 12:30-5 p.m., Faith Baptist, 203 N. Main St., Faith. For an appointment, call Pat Barton at 704-279-7736.
Blood drive schedule subject to change. Please call the office at 704-633-3854 for updated information.