Red Cross: Blood supply dangerously low
NORWICH – Due to an increase in severe winter weather, the American Red Cross of the New York-Penn Region recently announced an urgent need for the public to donate blood to increase the regional blood supply.
According to the Red Cross, there is less than a three-day supply of Type O Negative blood, the universal blood type, and Type A Negative. “O-Negative blood is most often used in emergencies when time does not allow patient blood typing,” a Red Cross Press Release said.
In addition, the New York-Penn region’s supply of A Positive, AB Negative and O Positive are all in the low range. The Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to schedule an appointment to donate.
Anyone interested in donating blood can make an appointment to do so by calling 1-800-Give Life (1-800-448-3543) or by visiting donatebloodnow.org. The next local blood drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 at the Broad Street Methodist Church. Walk-ins are always welcome. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old – 16 with an original, signed New York State Informed Parental Permission form, which can be found on the web site. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and must have not donated blood within the last 56 days.
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