Red Cross Makes National

Appeal For Blood Donors

FARMINGTON — The National Inventory Management Systems (NIMS) for the 36 American Red Cross Blood Services Regions across the United States is experiencing such dangerously low blood inventories that the Red Cross has declared a national emergency appeal for blood donors.

Last week there were only 50,058 units of blood available for distribution at Red Cross Blood Services Regions across the nation. More than 120,000 units are considered adequate to the Red Cross in order to serve hospital patients needing transfusions at nearly 3,000 urgent care centers. The Red Cross nationally accounts for about one-half of the nation’s blood supply.

Locally, the New England Region of the American Red Cross, serving 170 hospitals in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, has joined the Connecticut Region and the rest of the nation in asking the public to give blood as soon as possible.

“The summer months are very challenging at best, but this year with shortages across the county supplies have plummeted to crucially low levels, which has us very concerned,” said Richard Benjamin, MD, chief medical officer for the American Red Cross New England Region. “We have a responsibility to maintain a safe and sufficient blood supply for patients in need, and we are asking for help from the public.”

The result of the national shortage for patients in Connecticut is that there is a limited ability to import blood from other Red Cross regions.

Despite increased collections since Connecticut’s emergency appeal began on July 6, the local supply of blood types O-Positive, O-Negative, B-Positive, and A-Negative is at or about 12 hours.

Anyone who is in generally good health, is 17 or older, and weighs 110 pounds or more, may be eligible to give blood. To make an appointment, call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) or visit www.bloodct.org. Positive ID is required at the time of blood donation.

The next blood drive in Newtown will be held at Charter Communications, 9 Commerce Road, on Tuesday, August 3, from 12:30 to 5:15 pm.