Critical, immediate need for blood donors

Summer Heat Has Taken a Serious Toll on the Blood Supply. The American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region is making an urgent, immediate call for blood donors to help stabilize the regional blood supply. The Red Cross reports:

Above average temperatures this summer have had a ruinous impact on blood donations. Many willing donors were deferred due to low iron levels and many other donors simply didnt schedule appointments because of the heat.

There is continued rationing of blood types O Negative and A Negative to hospitals, and supplies of all blood types are less than optimal.

There is an urgent need for double red cell donations, which uses an automated technology that allows donors to give two units of red blood cells in one sitting.

There is a great need for blood in all communities. All current eligible and new donors are strongly urged to call 1.800.GIVE LIFE (1.800.448.3543) or visit

www.DonateBloodNow.org

to schedule an appointment.

Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. In New York State, 16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original signed New York State Informed Parental Consent for a 16-Year-Old to Donate Whole Blood to the blood drive. The consent form can be found at

www.DonateBloodNow.org/16

Identification is required to donate blood.

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