Red Cross conducting emergency blood drive to restock area's 'cricically low' supply

Local Red Cross officials say the area blood supply level is "critically low." They are conducting an emergency drive to restock supplies.

"This is generally a difficult time of year because the bulk of our supply comes from high school and college students who are not in session," said Laurie Nehring, district recruitment manager for the Southeast Missouri chapter of the Red Cross. "People also don't donate much over the holiday season, which is the same time we see an increase in travel resulting in more road accidents and a greater demand for blood products."

Nehring said supplies for the Missouri-Illinois blood region, which stretches from Columbia, Mo., to Southern Illinois, are at a level of 0.3. That means hospitals now have approximately 30 percent of the blood supply they use in a single day.

This region uses 1,200 pints of blood per day.

The Red Cross will hold 44 blood drives in Southeast Missouri through July 25.

Locally, the Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Saint Francis Medical Center from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. A second drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23 at St. Mary's Cathedral at 629 William St.

"We would just like people to remember that they can save up to three lives by donating one pint of blood," Nehring said. "We separate the blood into three parts -- red blood cells, platelets, and plasma -- and use those on recipients in need."

Nehring said first-time donors should anticipate spending an hour at the facility while they undergo a mini-physical and fill out paperwork in addition to the drawing of blood.

The need for blood locally has also been augmented by flooding on the East Coast, which has depleted reserves and canceled planned drives in affected areas.

"O-negative is the universal blood type, so we certainly encourage anyone with that type to donate. But really we need all types right now," Nehring said.

Those interested in donating are encouraged to call (800) GIVE-LIFE for more details. Appointments can be made to donate blood at 20 S. Mount Auburn Road.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245