Blood donation opportunities upcoming in Albany

ALBANY — As Red Cross Month comes to a close, and with National Volunteer Month about to begin, eligible donors are being reminded about the importance of giving blood and making a difference in the lives of patients in need.

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions, and more are being encouraged to join the ranks. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring, Red Cross officials say.

“The American Red Cross salutes the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who help fulfill its lifesaving mission and encourages others to join their ranks as a volunteer blood or platelet donor,” said Kristen Stancil, external communications manager with the American Red Cross. “Last year, roughly 3.1 million volunteers donated about 5.3 million pints of blood. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for those in need of transfusions during surgery.”

Stancil said platelets, which are often utilized by cancer patients, are also needed. The demand for Type O negative is great due to it being the universal donor type, and Type A and Type B negative can be transfused in those who are Rh positive or negative. Eligible donors are encouraged to donates double red cells where available, she said.

“Donated blood products are perishable,” Stancil added. “Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must constantly be replenished. Donors can feel good knowing that by donating through the Red Cross they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also loved ones across the nation.”

The upcoming blood donation opportunities in Albany include:

— Thursday, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center, 1515 Dawson Road

— Friday, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

— Saturday, 7:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

— 4/6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Albany Technical College, Building C, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd.

— 4/6/, 10:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

— 4/7, 10:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

— 4/8, 3 p.m.-7 p.m., First Freewill Baptist Church, 420 N. Westover Blvd.

— 4/9, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

— 4/10, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

— 4/11, 7:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

— 4/13, 10:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

— 4/14,10:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Albany Blood Donation Center

A spokeswoman at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital said the blood bank at the hospital is currently not experiencing any shortages, but is encouraging eligible donors to continue to give now and into the summer months when vacations from school and work can often impact the number of blood drives as well as the supply.

Red Cross officials say those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations and invite others to make a donation by creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp.

To make an appointment to give blood, or for more information, visit wwww.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, 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.