URGENT! URGENT! URGENT NEED FOR BLOOD DONORS Type O negative blood levels drop to critically low levels American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region Media Contact: Perri Coltrane, 336-403-4301 Patrick Antrim, 336-413-3331 www.redcrossblood.org URGENT NEED FOR BLOOD DONORS The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region has issued an urgent call for blood donors. The Red Cross closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital need for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care. ”There is a critical need for blood donors now,” said Joyce H. Brendel, chief executive officer for the Carolinas Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “This summer we have had a particularly difficult time recruiting enough blood donors to meet the requirements of our community’s hospitals and the patients they serve.” Meeting this need is particularly challenging since the extremely high temperatures are keeping donors inside, most schools are not in session to hold blood drives and we are experiencing a high number of donors who are unable to keep their appointments. In the Carolinas Region, the Red Cross has seen approximately 13% fewer donors than expected. Donors with all blood types are needed, but especially those with type O negative. Red Cross officials say type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage. That’s because type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations. Every day, more than 39,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in the United States. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature babies, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. Each whole blood donation can help save up to three lives. “We urge people to make and keep an appointment to donate blood now,” said Brendel. “Chances are, someone is counting on you right now for their very life.” :UPCOMING AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES IN THE AREA: • Wednesday, September 8th; 10:00 am – 2:30 pm; Rockingham Community College, Whitcomb Student Center Upstairs, County Home Road, Wentworth; (Blood drive sponsored by Criminal Justice); Please call Patricia Jiminez at 342-4261 for an appointment • Friday, Sept. 10th; 10:00 am – 2:30 pm; NC DOT, 191 Hwy 65, Wentworth; Please call Brenda Joyce at 634-5642 for an appointment • Saturday, September 11th; 11:00 am – 3:30 pm; Yanceyville VFD, 3361 US Hwy 158 East, Reidsville, Please call Jerri Bowles 951-9630 for an appointment • Monday, September 13th; 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm; Madison United Methodist, 110 West Academy Street, Madison (blood drive sponsored by the Madison/Mayodan Jaycees), Please call the Church office at 548-6658 for an appointment • Friday, September 17th; 10:00 am – 2:30 pm; Rockingham County Chapter, American Red Cross, 3692 NC Hwy 14, Reidsville (blood drive sponsored by Duke Energy); Please call the American Red Cross at 349-3434 for an appointment • Saturday, September 18th; 10:00 am – 2:30 pm; Type O Eden drive held at Kings Highway Christian Church, 417 West Kings Highway, Eden (blood drive cosponsored by Kings Highway Christian Church and New St. Paul Baptist); Please call the Church Office at 627-1766 for an appointment • Monday, September 27th; 11:30 am – 4:00 pm; Burger King, 6703 NC Hwy 135, Mayodan; Please call Frankie Mauras at 427-0649 for an appointment • Thursday, September 30th; 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm, Leaksville-Spray Elementary, 415 Highland Drive, Eden, Please call the School Office at 627-7068 for an appointment To schedule an appointment to donate please call the sponsor listed or the Rockingham County Chapter at 336-349-3434 or visit www.redcrossnet.org for more information. Appointments are strongly recommended. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.