Posted on 12 July 2013.
Blood providers say they need donations. (American Red Cross photo)
Blood donations are down at the Charlotte region?s blood providers at a time of year when demand typically rises. With blood now in short supply, providers have issued an emergency call for donations.
Both the American Red Cross and Community Blood Center of the Carolinas are urging healthy prospective donors to visit a blood drive or a blood donation center, to help boost supply.
?Summer is a particularly difficult time for all blood centers because supply drops and demand often goes up,? said Martin Grable, president and CEO of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. ?Our local community is nearing a critical level and we urge all eligible donors to donate blood today.?
The American Red Cross said both blood and platelets are needed.
?We are counting on generous volunteer blood and platelet donors to step up and give now,? said Delisa English, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. ?Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for these patients in need.?
Nationwide, donations through the Red Cross were down approximately 10 percent in June ? about 50,000 fewer donations than expected. The Red Cross aid the shortfall is similar to what happened a year ago.
High school and college students, who account for about 20 percent of the blood supply, are out of school, contributing to the decline. Donations from those who usually give at school-related drives drop by more than 80 percent when school is out for the summer.
Meanwhile, the shortage also is the result of increased demand, as treatments for cancer and cardiovascular disease and other issues continue as usual, while trauma cases increase during the summer months.
CBCC is hoping to boost student giving by asking area high school and college students to organize summer drives through its Fifth Annual ?Students Saving Summer Scholarship? program. High school and college students who organize and host a successful blood drive with CBCC between June and September have the chance to earn scholarship money for their secondary education.
The students with the top five producing blood drives will each receive a $1,000 scholarship from CBCC. Since 2009, CBCC has awarded over $88,500 in scholarships.
?We also encourage local businesses, schools and other organizations to host a blood drive this summer. CBCC is the blood supplier to twenty-one of the regions hospitals. We need your help supporting local patients in their need for blood while being treated for cancer, cardiovascular disease, trauma and transplants,? added Grable.
HOW TO HELP
Through American Red Cross ? Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed. 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 (16 with parental permission in some 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.
Community Blood Center of the Carolinas ? Anyone 16 and older who weighs at least 120 pounds is encouraged to donate at one of the five CBCC centers in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Hickory and Monroe, or at one of CBCC?s mobile blood drives. Find a list at www.carolinadonor.org. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-972-4700. For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-972-4700.
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