Winter Weather Impacts Blood Supplies

American Red Cross Urging Eligible Donors to Maintain the Blood Supply

February 9, 2005 (Dedham, Massachusetts) - The American Red Cross Blood Services - New England Region is reminding donors that the need for blood is ongoing. American Red Cross officials are urging eligible individuals to make an appointment to donate blood in the upcoming days, weather permitting. Those who already have appointments, are asked to please honor them in order to maintain the blood supply in the face of impending inclement weather. During the month of January, blood supplies dropped significantly due to the blizzard and subsequent snow storms. Despite this fact, blood needs remain constant. Blood must be available wherever and whenever it is needed by patients. The only resource is a volunteer blood donor.

"We are extremely grateful for all of those individuals who have donated blood despite the recent bad weather. Everyday, there are thousands of patients in area hospitals who rely on the generosity of volunteer blood donors. It is the mission of the American Red Cross Blood Services - New England Region to maintain a safe and sufficient blood supply for all patients in need. We need blood donors," explained Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Corporate Affairs for the American Red Cross Blood Services - New England Region.

Recently, an area hospital required 100 units of blood for an accident patient. On average, it takes 48 hours from when a person donates blood to when it is tested and available for transfusion use. It is the blood on the shelves today that saves lives tomorrow. The difference a donor makes simply cannot be overstated. A safe blood supply is one that is available for both routine and emergency needs. Blood must be available wherever and whenever it is needed.

There is a 97% chance that someone you know will need blood at some point in their lives. Trauma and transplant patients, accident victims, and those suffering from life-threatening illnesses are counting on the generosity of strangers. Everyday, 1,500 units of blood must be collected across the New England Region just to meet the basic needs of patients in area hospitals.

The American Red Cross has been the primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for over 50 years. The American Red Cross Blood Services - New England Region supplies a wide range of blood components, plasma derivatives, and transfusion services to over 170 hospitals and other medical facilities in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It serves the blood needs of nearly 9 million residents and many thousands more who travel to New England for care at many of the nation’s top medical facilities.

The American Red Cross holds blood drives 7 days a week in communities across the region. Individuals are urged to call 1-800-GIVE LIFE for more information on eligibility and where to donate.

**Please Note: Red Cross representatives are available for interviews. Blood drives across the region are available for news photographers to take photographs and record video footage. Please call Nicole Hyland at (781) 461-2033 or (617) 571-1558 to arrange a time and location for coverage that is most convenient to you.

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