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American Red Cross says they are facing looming blood shortage; blood drives planned across St. Lawrence County

Posted 8/5/15

American Red Cross says they are facing a looming shortage resulting in an urgent need for donors to donate blood now to prevent an emergency situation across the state including in St. Lawrence …

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American Red Cross says they are facing looming blood shortage; blood drives planned across St. Lawrence County

Posted

American Red Cross says they are facing a looming shortage resulting in an urgent need for donors to donate blood now to prevent an emergency situation across the state including in St. Lawrence County.

Blood types in the most need include O negative, B negative and A negative/ Platelet donors and type AB blood donors are also being asked to help ensure the shelves are stocked for patients.

Red Cross says summer can be among the most challenging times of the year to collect enough blood and platelet. The news release below details the urgent need.

Overall blood donations in the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region have been approximately 3, 876 fewer per month in June and July this year than the previous 10 months of the year. When demand for the most needed types begins to outpace donations, the Red Cross alerts donors to help restock the shelves.

“Summer blood shortages are not uncommon, but they can be prevented when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to help save lives,” said Nick Gehrig, senior communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “Many donors have already given this summer. We’re now asking donors who haven’t donated, and those who are eligible again, to make an appointment to give now to help ensure blood products are available for patients.”

The American Red Cross will host blood drives in Potsdam, Massena, Gouverneur, DeKalb Junction and Canton.

Appointments: 1-800-733-2767

Massena - Aug. 10, 1 to 5 p.m., VFW, 101 West Hatfield St.

Gouverneur - Aug. 11, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., VFW, 100 West Main St.

Canton - Aug. 11, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Unitarian church, 3 1/2 East Main St.; Aug. 13, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. Lawrence University

Potsdam - Aug. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Potsdam Town Office, 18 Elm St.; Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Canton-Potsdam Hospital

DeKalb Junction - Aug. 15, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., DeKalb Junction Fire Department, 4323 U.S. Route 11

Blood donation appointments can also be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.