SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donations to help address a winter blood shortage, the organization recently announced.
Severe winter weather across the country has had a major impact on blood donations already this year, with more than 150 blood drives forced to cancel causing more than 5,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, according to the Red Cross. This is in addition to seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, and hectic holiday schedules collectively contributing to more than 28,000 fewer donations than what was needed in November and December.
“Even temporary disruptions to blood and platelet donations can diminish the availability for hospital patients,” said Clifford Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. “It’s the blood on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency, and that’s why we’re asking eligible individuals to make an appointment to give blood or platelets today.”
While all blood types are needed, there is a more critical need for the following blood and donation types:
• Platelets: The clotting portion of blood primarily given to cancer patients during treatment and always in great demand.
• Type O negative: The blood type that can be transfused to almost everyone and is what doctors reach for in trauma situations.
• Type B negative: The blood type that can be transfused to type B Rh-positive and negative patients.
• Type AB: The plasma type that can be transfused to almost everyone and can be donated through a platelet or plasma donation, where available, or during a regular blood donation.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Santa Cruz County include:
• Today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at New Leaf Community Market, 1210 41st Ave. in Capitola
• Jan. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. in Santa Cruz
• Jan. 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Pajaro Valley Health Trust Halll, 85 Nielson St. in Watsonville
• Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. in Santa Cruz
For information and to schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
