SEND A FRIEND, SAVE A LIFE

Spread the Word about the Critical Need for Blood Donations

(Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005) ATLANTA - Georgia continues to be in the midst of a dangerous blood shortage and the American Red Cross is calling on regular donors to send in their families and friends to give blood too. Critically low levels in the blood supply are making it impossible to send local hospitals all of the blood they need for patients, say Red Cross officials, and there is little blood available from other states.

“That is why we appreciate those who have responded to our call for emergency donors. Now more than ever, we strongly encourage regular donors to tell their family and friends about the importance of donating blood and to bring them into donor centers to give blood. It is especially important that they encourage new donors to give blood,” says Randy Edwards, chief executive officer for Red Cross Blood Services Southern Region.

Many people in need of a transfusion cannot afford to wait; especially when up to 100 units of blood is needed immediately to save the life of the victim of a serious car accident. For instance, children and adults with cancer often must receive blood transfusions before and after they have their much-needed chemotherapy treatments and surgeries. Blood is precious to all those who need it and the only source are people who are willing to make a donation.

Red Cross supplies of type O positive and type O negative blood are hovering around a 12 to 18-hour supply.  The universal blood type, O negative, is used extensively in hospital emergency rooms because it can be safely given to all patients who need immediate transfusions, when there is no time to determine their blood types. In addition, 84% of the population can receive O positive blood.   Because type O blood runs out first, it is essential for donors with these blood types to give blood before Labor Day without fail. In addition to O blood, the American Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to give blood this week.

There are seven blood donor centers located in metro Atlanta, including Midtown, Cobb, Duluth, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs/Dunwoody, South Metro and East Point. Blood and platelet donors must be age 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds.  For more information and to find out how to make a donation appointment, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1 800 448-3543) or visit www.givebloodredcross.org.