Red Cross issues an emergency call for blood donors
A donation shortfall over the winter holidays is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage from continuing throughout winter and affecting patient care.
The Red Cross collected some 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s than needed to sustain a sufficient blood supply. During this period, about 1,350 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs as busy holiday schedules kept many donors away.
Milford residents can donate blood at these times:
Date | Place | Address |
---|---|---|
1/15/2019: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Mount Aery Baptist Church | 73 Frank Street, Bridgeport |
1/31/2019: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport |
2/11/2019: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Congregation B'nai Israel | 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport |
2/15/2019: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | University of Bridgeport Student Center | 244 University Avenue, Bridgeport |
1/18/2019: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Shelton Community Center | 41 Church Street, Shelton |
2/1/2019: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Shelton Community Center | 41 Church Street, Shelton |
2/8/2019: 7 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Dianon Systems | 1 Forest Parkway, Shelton |
2/15/2019: 8 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. | R.D.Scinto | 2 Corporate Drive, Shelton |
1/24/2019: 1:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. | Christ Episcopal Church | 2000 Main Street, Stratford |
2/8/2019: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Fright Haven | 411 Barnum Avenue Cutoff, Stratford |
1/14/2019: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Grace Episcopal Church | 5958 Main Street, Trumbull |
2/12/2019: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Maefair Health Care Center | 21 Maefair Ct, Trumbull |
Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types on hand, well below the ideal five-day supply needed to respond to emergencies and daily hospital needs. Blood products are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to give in the coming days to help restock the shelves for hospital patients.
Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet 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). Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.