Red Cross Blood Supply Drops to Critically Low Levels

The American Red Cross today issued an appeal for blood donors to roll up a sleeve and address a critical shortage across the nation. The Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross urges donors to donate at one of two upcoming drives next week.

On Monday, July 18 from 1 to 7 p.m. there will be a drive at the Summit Chapter house at 695 Springfield Avenue in Summit and on Tuesday, July 19, the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps will host a drive from 1 to 7 p.m. at 29 Prospect Street in Madison. Donors may call 1-800 RED CROSS to schedule an appointment at one of these drives or to locate additional blood drive dates.

Many donors are busy or traveling, school is out of session and donations have dropped dramatically. In May and June, while demand for blood products remained steady, donations were at the lowest level the Red Cross has seen during this time-frame in more than a dozen years. Because of that, the Red Cross needs blood donors now more than ever. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.

“This has been an especially busy year for the Red Cross, as we’ve given help and hope to people affected by deadly tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other storms,” said Christy Hodde, Executive Director of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter. “But there’s another, more personal, kind of disaster that can occur to any of us at any time. It happens when we need blood and it’s not available.”

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion — someone like Brian Boyle, a 25-year-old whose life changed instantly when a dump truck plowed into his vehicle on his way home from swim practice in 2004.  Brian lost 60% of his blood, his heart had moved across his chest and his organs and pelvis were pulverized.  If Brian survived, doctors predicted that he might not be able to walk again and certainly would not swim.  Against all predictions, Brian now competes in marathons and triathlons.

“When I needed it, the American Red Cross was there with 36 blood transfusions and 13 plasma treatments that saved my life in a situation where time was of the essence,” said Boyle. “Amazing medical care and volunteer blood donors helped make my recovery possible. By giving just a little bit of their time, blood donors helped give me the chance at a lifetime.”

Brian’s story emphasizes just how important each and every blood donation can be. In fact, the Red Cross provides lifesaving blood to nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.  Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross in your area:

Local Red Cross programs and services include disaster preparedness education and response services; life-saving skills training such as CPR, AED, First Aid, and water safety; armed forces emergency services, transportation and blood services.

The Colonial Crossroads Chapter has served the residents of Berkeley Heights, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Long Hill Township, Madison, New Providence, Springfield and Summit since 1917.  To find out more about the local Red Cross, how you can donate your expertise, time, money or blood; or to help your family, business, or community prepare for emergencies, please visit www.ccnjredcross.org.