Red Cross still in need of blood

Local law enforcement personnel turned out at a blood drive Friday to help fill a coming void in the nation's emergency blood supply.

With the shelf life of blood only 42 days, the American Red Cross was recently forced to destroy more than 10,000 units of blood donated in the days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Friday's blood drive, held at the Osage Community Centre, was co-sponsored by Southeast Missouri State University's Criminal Justice Association, a student organization, and radio station MIX 104.7.

University instructor Linda Ferrell said the theme of this year's blood drive was "To Serve and Protect." It was the second blood drive held for law enforcement personnel, and 115 units of blood were collected.

Donors shouldn't be discouraged since all of the blood given following the attacks didn't go to waste, said local blood drive coordinator David Palmer.

Because of the manner in which blood is separated after collection, at least part of each unit is used, he said. After testing, platelets and plasma are separated for immediate use, and the remaining blood is used for transfusions.

Platelets, which only last five days, are used immediately for individuals with blood disorders, cancer and AIDS. Plasma is heartier and used for other purposes.

"We want to assure every person who donated that at least some portion of each pint has been used," Palmer said.

Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper Doug McDaniel said in light of recent events he felt the need to give blood. As a trooper he already had a healthy respect for the role donated blood plays in everyday lives.

"I do a lot of blood relays," McDaniel said.

When hospitals need blood immediately, it falls to state troopers to race with the blood between stations. Using lights and sirens, the troopers are able to get the blood to different hospitals at top speeds.

Troopers also have transported human corneas, but those situations are usually not emergencies, he said.

At one time, the Red Cross' goal was to always keep at least a three-day supply of blood on hand. When supplies dipped below that, the organization was forced to plead their case to the public.

Currently, there's a 10-day supply.

"We'd like to keep it that way," Palmer said. "Instead of leaving the bare bones, we'd like to have that cushion."

He said if donors keep coming forward, this holiday season will be the first that the organization hasn't been forced to hold emergency blood drives.

With that in mind, the Red Cross has begun freezing type O units, the most universal, as part of a disaster-preparedness plan.

"We'd been discussing a strategic blood reserve well before Sept. 11," Palmer said. "After the terrorist attacks, things moved along more quickly."

Last year the law enforcement blood drive inspired good-natured competition between agencies to see who could get the largest percentage of staff to donate.

The challenges still exist this year, instructor Ferrell said, but the mood is more somber in light of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

"That's the condition of the country right now," she said.

Since many officers donated immediately after the terrorist attacks, they weren't eligible to give during this round, she said. An individual can only donate blood every 56 days.

"So we started a designated donor program," Ferrell said. "If they have someone come in and give in their honor, then we count it toward their agency," she said.

The agency with the most donors wins a plaque and bragging rights. The winner had not yet been determined late Friday.

abuchanan@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160