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Thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, but the organization still has an emergency-level need for donors of all blood types – especially type O.
The Red Cross has five scheduled donation opportunities in Henrico County during the next few weeks, including:
• Aug. 1 – Compare.com, 140 East Short Drive in Glen Allen, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
• Aug. 2 – Regency Square mall, 1420 North Parham Road, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
• Aug. 3 – Carolina Ale House, 11275 West Broad Street in Glen Allen, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
• Aug. 14 – Varina Library, 1875 New Market Road, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
• Aug. 14 – First Mennonite Church, 601 East Parham Road, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products. The current supply is below that level.
“Patients don’t get a summer break from the need for lifesaving treatments, so it is critical that hospitals have access to blood products each and every day,” said Red Cross spokeswoman Bernadette Jay. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives, but the emergency need remains. Those who haven’t rolled up a sleeve to give are urged to do so today.”
There is a particular need for type O blood, which plays an important role in ongoing patient care and emergencies. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient. It’s what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.
Anyone who donates blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via e-mail (restrictions apply; details are available at http://RedCrossBlood.org/Together).
Donors of all blood types may make appointments to give blood by using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
