MOUNT VERNON — Despite the ongoing efforts to call and e-mail blood donors, the local Red Cross is unable to meet many blood orders for local hospitals in the timeliest manner. Due to the low supplies, some orders, particularly type O-negative, have been put on back order.
There is a need for all blood types; particularly O-negative, A-negative and B-negative, which are currently at critically low levels in our community. These critically low blood supplies are resulting in orders being placed on back order; in addition to only filling hospital’s O-negative orders for transfuse only. This means hospitals requesting type O-negative must have an immediate need for a specific patient.
Type O-negative is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.
“When supplies drop to critical levels,” said Kelly Brenneman, executive director of the American Red Cross of Knox County, “we have a responsibility to alert the public immediately so those able to help can do so quickly.”
Since early June, the local Red Cross has seen a 10 percent drop in donations and is currently more than 500 blood donations short from the target need. The Red Cross is asking those who may be eligible to make or keep appointments to give blood as soon as possible.
Call 740-397-6300 or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment today. Those who come to give blood can receive a buy one get one free entry coupon to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The American Red Cross of Knox County is a United Way Agency.
The following blood drive opportunities are available in Knox County:
•Today — Premier Theater, 1 to 7 pm. Each donor receives a free popcorn and raffling off a pair of tickets per hour.
•Friday — Amvets Post 95, 1 to 7 p.m. Each donor receives a free Harley T-shirt.
•Saturday — Journey Church, 11978 Schenck Creek Road, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Each donor receives a free T-shirt and will have the opportunity to win a pair of Cedar Point tickets.
•Tuesday, June 28 — American Red Cross of Knox County Chapter House, 1 to 7 p.m. Each donor will recieve a $10 Lowe’s or Walmart gift card. Call the office to schedule appointment 397-6300.
•Wednesday, June 29 — Knox Community Hospital, 1 to 7 p.m.
To schedule a blood donation appointment please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age, 16 with parental permission, meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Previous donors are encouraged to bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID.
