American Red Cross Issues A Call For More Blood Donations

It says blood supplies tend to drop during the summer months.Frederick, Md (KM) The blood supply in the region is stable, but there is currently an urgent need for platelet and type “O” donations, according to the National Capital and Chesapeake Region  of the American Red Cross. “School schedules change in the summer and schools are closed and people travel for vacation. So we do usually see a slight decrease in donors over the summer,” says Bethany Patterson, Communications Director for the regional Red Cross Chapter. “The demand for blood does not decrease over the summer. There’s always patients in need of life-saving blood transfusions.”The process of donating whole blood involves a person spending ten to 15 minutes on the donor chair. “It’s pretty quick. You’re in and out,” says Patterson.But donating platelets takes a little longer. “It takes your whole blood out and it spins it in a machine that separates out the platelets. And puts the remaining components back into your arm. Things like plasma and red blood cells go back into your arm. That process takes a little bit longer. It’s about two hours,” says Patterson.But donors are not bored during that time. . “The platelet donation chairs we do have TV’s set up with Netflicks,” she says. “You’re welcome to come and watch and relax while you’re giving platelets and helping save lives. Platelets are most commonly used in cancer treatments, cancer patients.”Patterson also says platelets are an essential part of the blood which help with clotting.For anyone who wants to set up an appointment to give blood  call 1-800-RED-CROSS. To give whole blood, or platelets;  The Red Cross says you need to be at least 16 years of age in most states; 17 years of age if you are giving platelets. Donors must also weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and feeling well on the day they donate. Donors can give whole blood every 56 days and up to six times per year. Those donating platelets can give every seven days up to 24 times per year.By Kevin McManus