News Release
Central Ohio Blood Services Region S 995 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205
www.BloodSavesLives.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2007
Red Cross issues urgent appeal for blood donors
Central Ohio experiencing critical blood shortage
COLUMBUS – Against the backdrop of inclement weather and fewer healthy donors available to give during the winter flu season, the local blood supply has dropped well below the minimum levels needed to meet routine shipments to hospitals throughout the 27-county Central Ohio Region.
Of greatest concern is the availability of O-negative red blood cells – the “universal” type used in emergency situations – with only 14 units (well below the one-day supply of about 100 units) on local Red Cross shelves.
“We’re unable to meet hospitals’ requests for O-neg red blood cells this morning,” said Catherine West, a spokesperson for the local Red Cross. “We’re also very concerned about the limited supply of O-positive red blood cells – safe for transfusion to 84 percent of patients – as we begin the morning with less than a half-day supply.”
The Red Cross is working with hospitals to carefully manage the very limited local red blood cell inventory, moving blood products on hospital shelves to where they are most needed. Although hospital inventory levels were adequate yesterday, the Red Cross is limited in its ability to fill routine standing orders and to respond to requests for additional blood products needed to support local patients.
“We have a responsibility to each and every patient in our community,” West said. “But we desperately need help. At this point, we’re concerned about meeting routine needs, and are not adequately positioned to support extraordinary needs that can occur on any given day -- like those we sometimes see with patients suffering from traumatic injuries.”
Blood donors of all types are encouraged to give, with a special need for O-negative, O-positive, A-negative and A-positive.
Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or visit the Central Ohio Region’s Web site at www.BloodSavesLives.org for additional information or to schedule an appointment to donate.
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01/7AP018
CONTACT:
Catherine West, Communications Director Communications Specialists:
614-253-2740 ext. 2275; Pager: 614-660-7902 Rodney J. Wilson (x2347) & Nicole Baird (x2320)