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Extreme weather leads to call for blood donation need, 150 donation centers closed, 5,500 donations uncollected
Posted
By Philip Haldiman, Independent Newsmedia
The last week has seen extreme snow, ice, winds, and flooding along the east coast, grinding activity in cities to a stand-still.
The National Weather Service yesterday forecast widespread freezing rain from the Ohio Valley to the Mid-Atlantic, and heavy rainfall in the lower Mississippi Valley.
But Luckily none of this has affected the comforts of living here in the Valley, a place that boasts of beautiful weather as the rest of the country suffers.
Or has it?
More than 150 blood donation centers and mobile sites have been forced to close along much of the east coast, causing more than 5,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, so the American Red Cross put out an urgent call for residents of all blood types to donate blood and platelets, said spokeswoman Christine Welch.
The recent severe weather has been only one cause of the shortage, so donations are needed right now to allow patients to continue to receive lifesaving treatments, she said.
“This is in addition to seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, and hectic holiday schedules collectively contributing to more than 28,000 fewer donations than what was needed in November and December,” she said.
All blood types are urgently needed, but critical needs include
Platelets: the clotting portion of blood primarily given to cancer patients during treatment and always in great demand.
Type O negative: the blood type that can be transfused to almost everyone and is what doctors reach for in trauma situations.
Type B negative: the blood type that can be transfused to type B Rh-positive and negative patients.
Type AB: the plasma type that can be transfused to almost everyone and can be donated through a platelet or plasma donation, where available, or during a regular blood donation.
To check on eligibility and schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Scottsdale resident Marty Henne has lived in Arizona for about 30 years but only recently donated blood for the first time. He said great joy comes from donating blood that can save a life. When Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in September, a friend urged Mr. Henne to help by donating blood. He was so struck by the experience that he convinced his son, back from college winter break, to donate with him last month. Mr. Henne has set a goal to donate every eight weeks, which is the required wait between donations for him.
“I was fearful in the beginning, but quickly felt good about it and found it an enjoyable experience,” he said. “People at the blood drives are friendly and nice. It was a piece of cake, a really easy experience.”
Mr. Henne, who grew up in Nebraska, said extreme weather and natural disasters like the recent snow on the East Coast can put a halt on normal life, causing hardship for those most in need.
“When disasters like those occur and blizzards last so long, you know there is a need and that need doesn’t stop,” he said. “I recently spoke to my mom in Nebraska and she said it was15 below zero. They couldn’t get out of the house.”
Donate
Blood donors will receive a mini physical to check their pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin.
It is recommended to have a light meal and plenty water to drink before visiting, and bring a donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification, as well as medications. For more information, call 800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. Below are blood donation opportunities through Jan. 31 in Maricopa County.
Glendale
Jan 17: 11 a.m.-3:15 p.m., Wells Fargo, 5503 W Northern Ave
