Blood donations needed now to prevent delays in care for patients like freshman Payton Kannarr
The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood donors to make a donation appointment now and help save patient lives.
Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed. Snowstorms and severe weather have also impacted donations. About 90 blood drives were forced to cancel in December, resulting in more than 3,000 blood donations going uncollected.
“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” said Alyson Barraza of the Connecticut Red Cross Blood Services Region. “We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.”
How to help
Find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood or platelets. Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help speed up the donation process.
“In about an hour, you can help save someone’s life. This simple act can have a profound impact on another human being,” said Barraza.
Who blood donations help
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood to save their lives.
The treatments high school freshman Payton Kannarr receives to fight leukemia cause her blood counts to drop. She currently receives platelet transfusions weekly and red blood cells about every two weeks.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Fairfield
Bethel
1/6/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd.
Danbury
1/16/2017: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Danbury Fire Department, 19 New Street
1/19/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Gethsemane Baptist Church International, Gethsemane Baptist Church International, 8 Delay Street
1/21/2017: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ann's Place, 80 Saw Mill Road
1/9/2017: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Danbury Hospital RSM, Hospital Avenue
East Norwalk
1/11/2017: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., East Norwalk Library, 51 Van Zant Street
Fairfield
1/20/2017: 1 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 1089 Fairfield Woods Road
1/6/2017: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., YMCA, 841 Old Post Road
Greenwich
1/9/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue
Monroe
1/7/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., I.B.E.W. Local 488, 721 Main Street
New Fairfield
1/17/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., New Fairfield Congregational Church, 20 Gillotti Road
Newtown
1/10/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.
1/10/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.
Ridgefield
1/5/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Ridgefield Park & Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Rd.
Shelton
1/13/2017: 8 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., R.D. Scinto Towers, 2 Corporate Drive
Sherman
1/14/2017: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Sherman Volunteer Fire Department, 1 CT 39
Stamford
1/21/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court
Trumbull
1/6/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main Street
Wilton
1/9/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., YMCA, 404 Danbury Road