As Summer Approaches, Red Cross Blood Supplies Reach Dangerous Levels

Blood supplies in
southeastern Michigan have been depleted due to emergency needs and low
donor turnout. The American Red Cross is issuing a call to action to
everyone who can, to donate blood.



As of this morning, the Southeastern Michigan Blood Service Region of
the American Red Cross had no units of Type O-negative -- the universal
blood type -- on its shelves. Type B-negative was below a one-day supply.



Shortages of Type O-negative can be serious since hospitals may use it
in most emergency trauma cases when there is not enough time to determine a
patient's blood type. Shortages of Type B-negative compound the situation
since people with Type B-negative can only receive blood from Type
O-negative or Type B-negative donors. The shortage of these two blood
types, according to Red Cross officials, has been the norm for the past
year or more, and individuals with these blood types make up just nine
percent of the general population.



"Donations of Type O-negative and Type B-negative blood are the most
crucial, but we are calling on all eligible donors -- regardless of blood
type -- to help ensure that blood is available when needed. Other blood
types are at dangerously low levels as well," says Diane Ward, CEO of the
American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region.



Traditionally, the Red Cross sees a drop in donations during the summer
months due to vacations and other activities. However, the need for blood
grows because of increased highway accidents and other hospital
emergencies.




"The Red Cross is encouraging new and previous blood donors to join the
battle against summer blood shortages," Ward adds. "Make a date to give
blood once, or even twice, between June and September. Each time you give,
you can help save up to three lives."


American Red Cross

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