And for those who can't because you're also sick or pregnant, challenge someone else to donate for you. No fair claiming you don't have time or you're afraid of needles. The trauma patient laying there on the stretcher bleeding from a laceration through his chest or the child in surgery who needs more blood might not have time for their trauma or might be afraid of needles too, but they have no choice in the matter.
Thanks!!
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=s ... shortage_1
Blood Banks Appeal for Donations
Tue Jan 13, 5:52 PM ET
WASHINGTON - Much of the nation has less than a two-day supply of blood on hand, blood banks said in issuing an urgent appeal for immediate donations.
Banks try to keep a five- to seven-day supply of blood on hand.
But on Tuesday, the American Red Cross (news - web sites) reported having just over 41,000 units of blood available nationwide, less than a two-day supply. Twenty-two of America's Blood Centers' 94 banks — mostly in the West and South — had a day's supply or less on hand.
Already some hospitals, particularly on the West Coast, have postponed elective surgeries because of the shortage, say the two organizations, which together supply most of the nation's blood.
January is traditionally a tight month for blood supplies, as donations drop in mid-December and take a while to recover. This January, a harsh flu season and bad weather in parts of the country also are blamed for keeping donations low.
To donate, people must be healthy, be at least 17 years old and weigh at l10 pounds; a health questionnaire filled out at the blood bank will assess other qualifications. Qualified donors can give blood once every 56 days.
For information on donating, contact:
_American Association of Blood Banks, 1-866-FROM-YOU or http://www.aabb.org
_America's Blood Centers, 1-888-USBLOOD or http://www.americasblood.org
_American Red Cross, 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or http://www.redcross.org
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