Leah Androski
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Over the last 20 years, blood donations through the Red Cross have fallen almost 40 percent. The Red Cross needs blood and platelet donations to help with the shortages and ensure lifesaving medical procedures will continue without any delays.
Factors such as more people working remotely have caused a decline in donations. Before the pandemic, the Red Cross changed eligibility guidelines for donors, like raising the hemoglobin limit, which caused deferrals among 16 to 18-year-old donors. Also, winter weather and seasonal respiratory illnesses will decrease the number of donations due to donors recovering.
“One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty refrigerator without any blood products,” states Dr. Pampee Young, Chief Medical Officer of the Red Cross. “A person needs lifesaving blood every two seconds in our country— and its availability can be the difference between life and death, however, blood is only available thanks to the generosity of those who roll up a sleeve to donate.”
During National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering to encourage anyone to donate blood or platelets. Those who give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Las Vegas. For more information visit, www.RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
To be eligible for donating blood at check-in, one needs a blood donor card, a driver’s license or two other forms of ID. Anyone who is 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent where allowed by state law), weighs at least 110 lbs. and is in good health may donate blood. To donate blood, high school students and other donors 18 years old and younger must meet specific height and weight requirements.
To book an appointment today, use the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or call 1 (800) 733-2767.