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Urgent Need for Blood Donations
Vitalant wants your blood. The nonprofit blood services provider says there’s an urgent need for all blood types following the Fourth of July holiday week. The seasonal drop in blood donations has resulted in less than a three-day supply of most blood types, according to the company.
Summer Drop in Blood Donations
The summertime drop is nothing new. Fewer donors are available due to summer vacations and fewer organizations host blood drives, but the need for blood can also go up during what many hospitals refer to as “trauma season,” when outdoor activities tend to rise along with accidents and injuries.
Importance of Adequate Blood Supply
Maintaining an adequate blood supply is critical to helping patients after accidents and other emergencies and to treat cancer and other chronic diseases.
Demand for Type O Blood
All blood types are needed, but especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency, and O-positive can support anyone with a positive blood type. Platelet donations play a vital role for cancer patients and those undergoing open-heart surgeries and transplants.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities
There are a few opportunities to donate coming up. The Knights of Columbus will host a blood drive on Friday, Aug. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the Marine Corps League Auxiliary’s drive on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both events are at 186 London Bridge Rd. Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
— Today’s News-Herald
