Late Summer Means

Blood Donor Shortages

FARMINGTON — The American Red Cross is experiencing challenges in collecting blood this August. The summer months are often difficult to collect the blood and platelets needed for Connecticut patients as many people are away and schools are not in session.

Colleges and high schools account for approximately 15 percent of the blood collected each year.

“With temperatures soaring, we are concerned people may not come out to donate blood. We need them to! So, drink a couple of glasses of water and meet us at one of our air-conditioned blood drives across our great state of Connecticut,” stated Paul Sullivan, CEO, American Red Cross Blood Services-Connecticut Region.

Blood supplies must remain constant, as the need for blood never diminishes. Blood products have a limited shelf life and must constantly be replenished. For example, platelets, a key component of blood, are only good for five days. Every day, the American Red Cross must collect approximately 650 units of blood just to meet the basic needs of patients across Connecticut. The difference a donor makes in the life of a patient is something that simply cannot be overstated, the agency said.

Blood can be used for patients undergoing many surgical procedures, organ transplants, trauma, and chemotherapy. For some patients, such as the victim of an automobile accident, the need for blood is sudden. For others, ongoing transfusions are needed to sustain lifesaving medical treatment.

Many people say they have never given blood because they have never been asked; the American Red Cross is asking all eligible individuals to please, “Consider yourself asked” and donate blood. 

To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, call 800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.bloodct.org.

The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The American Red Cross Blood Services-Connecticut Region supplies a wide range of blood components, and transfusion services to 30 hospitals and other medical facilities throughout Connecticut. It serves the blood needs of more than 3.5 million residents and many thousand more who travel to Connecticut for care at some of the nation’s top medical centers.