Critical Need For Blood Continues, Red Cross Donors Needed

The American Red Cross continues to amplify the ongoing critical need for blood and platelets to keep the blood supply stable as fall begins.

Nicole Roschella, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, said they are in need of blood after experiencing a shortage in the summer.

"Around July 4th we noticed a dip in the supply," she said.

Roschella said there is always a demand for blood, but it can be harder to get during the summer or holidays when people are not able to visit donation centers due to traveling.

Thanksgiving and the winter months are another time of the year when they typically see less people donating blood, she said.

"We are asking people to donate and help us build back our supply of blood," Roschella said.

She said many people do not think about the importance of keeping the blood supply stable until they or a loved one needs it.

"When you have blood that is already on the shelves, it can help someone that needs it right a way," Roschella said.

Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, those giving platelets and those who have never given before, are needed now.

"That type is always in high demand, and is in a shortage," she said. "Type O negative is key when someone is in an accident as it can be transfused to anyone. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type."

All types of blood are needed.

"You don't need to know your blood type to give, they will tell you after," Roschella said.

After someone donates blood, they are able to follow where it goes and when it is transfused.

"Being able to see where it is nice and it is rewarding," she said.

Roschella said blood can be transfused in its original form or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets.

A blood donation appointment takes about an hour from start to finish, but the actual donation itself only takes about eight to 10 minutes. A person can give blood every 56 days, up to six times a year.

Blood can be kept on the shelves for 46 days.

She said people can also donate platelets which are important components in blooding clotting.

While a person can give platelets every seven days, they only last for five days, Roschella said.

"Platelets are a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, surgical patients and bone marrow transplant recipients," she said.

During a platelet donation, an apheresis machine collects a donor's platelets along with some plasma and returns red cells and most of the plasma back to the donor.

One can donate platelets every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

Ideal blood types for platelet donations: A positive, A negative, B positive, O positive, AB positive and AB negative

Blood and platelets can be donated at the donation centers in Altoona and Johnstown.

As a thank-you, all who come to give through Sept. 30 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details. Additionally, those who come to give Oct. 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

Only three out of 100 Americans donate blood. With the blood supply still at critical levels, every single donation is key to making sure all patients relying on lifesaving transfusions, including car accident victims and those living with sickle cell disease, get the care they need.

To donate blood download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.