American Red Cross reissuing emergency call for blood

ATLANTA — The American Red Cross is reissuing its emergency call for blood and platelet donors to give now after multiple snow storms, frigid temperatures and the government shutdown further reduced lifesaving donations.

In January, more than 4,600 Red Cross blood and platelet donations went uncollected as blood drives were forced to cancel due to severe winter weather blanketing parts of the U.S., and additional cancellations are expected this week as weather travel advisories may cause even more donors to delay their planned donations.

In light of this, donors in areas affected by winter weather are asked to make an appointment now to give once it is safe to travel.

The federal government shutdown also affected donations as more than 4 percent of Red Cross blood collections come from drives sponsored by military and local, state and federal government agencies. Red Cross officials said about 30 blood drives hosted by federal offices were canceled across the country due to the shutdown, leaving more than 900 donations uncollected.

“Disruptions to blood and platelet donations jeopardize the availability of blood for patients who depend on transfusions for survival,” Cliff Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, said. “We’re grateful for all those who have come out to give since we issued our emergency call earlier this month and now urge others to come out and give to prevent delays in essential medical care.”

Right now, Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and there is less than a three-day supply of most blood types on hand. The goal of the Red Cross is to maintain a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients, and to be prepared for emergencies requiring significant volumes of donated blood products.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in southwest Georgia:

— Wednesday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Albany Technical College, Building C, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany;

— Wednesday, noon-4 p.m., Albany Board of Realtors, 2325 Lake Park Drive, Albany;

— Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Berrien County High School, 500 E. Smith Ave., Nashville;

— Monday, noon-5 p.m., Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany;

— Monday, 3-7 p.m., Ty Ty Baptist Church, 157 N. Church Street, Ty Ty

— Feb. 11, 1-6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 402 S. Merrimac Drive. Fitzgerald;

— Feb. 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Terrell County High School, 201 Greenwave Blvd., Dawson;

— Feb. 12, 1-6 p.m., Cordele Community Clubhouse, 108 15th Ave., Cordele;

— Feb. 14, 12:30-5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 409 First St. Southeast, Moultrie;

— Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Tift Area Academy, 3144 Hwy 41 North, Tifton;

— Feb. 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dougherty Comprehensive High School, 1800 Pearce Ave., Albany

— Feb. 15, 12:30-5 p.m., Tift Regional Medical Center — Tift Regional Events Center, 1657 S. Carpenter Road, Tifton;

— Feb. 18, 3-7 p.m., Pearson First Baptist Church, 401 Railroad St., Pearson;

— Feb. 19, noon- 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 107 W. 12th St., Tifton;

— Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, 417 W. Third Ave., Albany;

— Feb. 21, 2-6 p.m., Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital;

— Feb. 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Westover Comprehensive High School, 2600 Partridge Lane, Albany;

— Feb. 28, 2-7 p.m., Byne Memorial Baptist Church, 2832 Ledo Road, Albany;

— March 1, 3-7 p.m., Margaret Jones Library, 205 E. Pope St., Sylvester.

The Red Cross said those wishing to donate blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Most individuals who are 17 years of age in most 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.

Officials said blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. Follow the instructions at www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass or use the Blood Donor App.

For more information, visit www.redcross.org or www.cruzrojaamericana.org, or find @RedCross on Twitter.

Jennifer Parks