Red Cross needs blood donors
In light of one of the worst blood shortages it's seen in many years, the American Red Cross encourages all eligible donors in the Bay Area to participate in a local blood drive or schedule an appointment to donate blood at an ARC blood center.
Although summer months often signals a blood shortage because schools and businesses are less likely to hold drives, it is unusual for shortages of this magnitude to last into September.
"Currently, we have less than a half day's supply of O-and B-type blood on hospital shelves," says ARC spokeswoman Kimberly Roberts. "That means if we had a major trauma to deal with, it would be very difficult to find enough blood."
Another reason for the shortage is increased demand, much of it due to the increased number of complex medical procedures, such as chemotherapy, organ transplants and heart surgeries.
Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Other factors may apply. To learn about donating blood, or to schedule an appointment, call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE, or visit www.BeADonor.com .
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