Wanted: Blood Donors

Blood donors are needed now more that ever, according to a spokesperson for the American Red Cross. “Right now the blood shortage is considered critical,” said April Phillips, Program Manager of Communications for the Southern Blood Service Region, the chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC) that handles metro-Atlanta.

“There’s a shortage nationwide. This summer is more dramatic. May and June donations were the lowest in 12 years, added Phillips.

The low inventory can be attributed to vacations and people just having more to do during the summer months. Ironically, it is those things that can increase the need. With more people traveling, the risk of an accident is higher and the demand increases.

Local drives, such as the one hosted by . ‘Regulars’ such as Mary Margaret Jordan, who has donated 2.25 gallons, tend to be relied upon and newcomers like are eagerly encouraged to give.

Jordan made her first donation as a teacher in 1995 and because she hadn’t eaten a good breakfast that day, she required smelling salts. The memory continues with her students telling her throughout the day “you passed out."

Despite a rough start, Jordan continues to donate. “It’s a small thing I can do to make a huge difference in somebody’s life. It could be a matter of life or death.”

Donations are likely to stay within the metro Atlanta because, according to Phillips, this area is “considered an import region."

"We use more than we collect. We address our needs first," said Phillips. It is the 'top-notch high healthcare' area where most of the blood is delivered.

In an emergency when there is no time to determine blood type, patients receive O-Negative, dubbed ‘the universal type."

But it is rare.

“Only nine percent have O-Negative,” said Phillips. "They are our ‘special donors’ because they can give to anyone and there are only a few of them.”

Phillips is quick to point out that the ARC constantly needs all types and “all are critical” at this point.

Qualifications to become a donor are age (17 or older; 16 in Georgia with a signed parental consent) and weight (a minimum of 110 pounds). A health history is taken and the perspective donor then undergoes a check of iron levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. A questionnaire is then completed which determines eligibility. It should be noted that there are “behaviors that preclude them from donating” as well as travels to certain areas added Phillips.

Nancy Fleming, Team Supervisor at Monday's blood drive in Cumming first suggested the various give aways might be an additional incentive to those considering donating their blood. While most are drive-specific, prizes have included gas cards.   

If you are interested in donating, the ARC Web site offers a listing of three near-by drives, based upon zip code, which can be expanded to three weeks, if needed. Additional information is available by phone: 1-800-Red-Cross.