Red Cross Urgently Needs Blood Donations To Replenish Post Holiday Blood Shortage

Main Category: Transplants / Organ Donations
Also Included In: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 31 Dec 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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The American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region is asking all individuals 17 years and older, 110 pounds or more and in good health to immediately help save lives. Blood donations are urgently needed to help boost a dwindling blood supply exacerbated by the long holiday weekend.

"This time of year is considered the season of giving. Unfortunately, it's also the time when blood donations plummet, yet the need for blood does not take a holiday," says Diane E. Ward, CEO, American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region.

If you donated earlier this year or are thinking of making your first donation, now is the time to roll up your sleeve and give one of the most important gifts, the gift of life. The need for blood is ongoing; every two seconds someone in America will need blood. Donations historically decline during the winter season when eligible donors are away from home, school and work, the places they conveniently participate in blood drives.

Blood availability is a preparedness issue. Blood must be on the shelf, ready and available to provide everyday medical care and to respond to emergencies as well as large-scale, man-made or natural disasters. Any one of us, or our loved ones, may need that unit of blood missing from the Red Cross's shelves. All blood types are needed and it is critical that volunteer donors come in to give blood now.

Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit http://www.givelife.org today to schedule an appointment at a convenient location. Patients are depending on your precious gift of life.

American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region
http://www.semredcross.org

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