Blood donations needed to prevent shortage situation
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News from the American Red Cross
LAKE COUNTY — The American Red Cross is facing a looming blood shortage, leading to an urgent need for donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give.
Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed at this time. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.
“Hospital patients continue to need lifesaving blood this summer, and they’re relying on the generosity of volunteer donors to give them hope in the days and weeks ahead,” said Julia Wulf, CEO for the Red Cross Lewis and Clark and Arizona Blood Services Region. “You never know when it could be your loved one needing blood.”
There is also an urgent need for platelet donations. Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, burn victims and bone marrow recipients – must be transfused within five days of donation, so it’s important to have a steady supply of platelets on hand.
Upcoming blood drives in Lake County include:
• Polson — July 29, noon – 5 p.m. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1002 4th Ave. East; and Aug. 14, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., St Joseph Medical Center, 6 13th Ave East
• Pablo – Aug. 18, 3-7 p.m. Salish Kootenai College
• St. Ignatius — Aug. 7, 2:30 – 7 p.m., Tribal Community Fitness Center, 332 Mountain View Drive
