COLUMBUS – The American Red Cross has issued an urgent call for eligible blood donors as donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in.
American Red Cross/Sunny 95 Schott at Life Blood Drive
(Tues., July 24th; 7am-7pm; OSU Schottenstein Center)
-Those who donate will receive a free Cedar Fair theme park ticket (valid for Cedar Point, Kings Island and others), Columbus Zoo and Aquarium buy-one-get-one free entry coupon, Marco’s Pizza slice, and a Chance to win 4 tickets to Zoombezi Bay
Appointments strongly encouraged!
During the summer months people are more involved in activities that could cause traumatic injuries while at the same time there were an estimated 550 fewer blood drives were held across the country during the Independence Day holiday week July 2-6 than during an average week, resulting in 15,000 fewer donations than needed, says Rodney Wilson, communications manager, Central Ohio Blood Services Region, American Red Cross.
It is important for the supply to keep pace with the demand because Wilson says blood can’t be stockpiled and saved for a rainy day.
“It only has a shelf-life of about 40 days so we have to collect just enough to meet the needs of patients within the next month and not too much that the blood would expire before it can be used,” he said.
Click here to find out how to donate
Wilson notes donations are also down because educational institutions are closed for summer. Blood drives at high schools and colleges account for about 20 percent of all blood donations.
“About 45 percent of Americans know someone alive because of a blood transfusion. Whether we realize it or not it touches so many of us,” Wilson said.
Donors must be at least 17 years of age — or 16 years old with parental consent — weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.
Certain medications or international travel might make a candidate ineligible to donate.