Area responds to need for blood

On Sept. 5, 2007, extremely low blood supplies forced our 100-county American Red Cross Blood Services region to issue an emergency appeal for blood donors.

Since then increased donor turnout has enabled us to replenish low supplies at our nearly 100 hospital customers as well as begin to rebuild our region's reserves to be wellprepared for any unanticipated need.

We thank sponsors, donors and the media for responding to our call. While our region's blood supplies remain well below the desired five-day supply levels, reserves of most blood types have risen above critically low levels.

While the emergency need has passed, the ongoing need continues. Every two seconds someone in our country needs a blood transfusion. This need continues 365 days a year, summertime and holidays included.

More than 1,000 individuals must come out to donate every weekday to help ensure sufficient supplies for patients in need. Without a steady turnout of donors we could well find ourselves needing to launch another emergency appeal in the future.

Although just 5% of the United States population donates blood each year, approximately 40% of the population is eligible to donate blood.

If you're at least 17 years old (16 years old in Maryland, with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health, please donate blood. Call (800) GIVE LIFE or visit www.redcrosslife. org for upcoming blood drives in your area.

On behalf of patients in need, we again thank you for responding to our call for emergency blood donations.

James E. Starr, CEO Greater Alleghenies Region American Red Cross Blood

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