Storms Reduce State’s Blood Supply

FARMINGTON — Storm after storm hammers Connecticut, chipping away at the community blood supply one storm at a time.

“Each storm that hits our state results in fewer people donating blood,” said Carolyn Mihalko, director of donor recruitment for the Connecticut Blood Services Region. “The effect is that 365 pints of blood have gone uncollected so far in March even though the demand for blood has remained relatively steady. That means fewer pints available for transfusion to hospital patients in Connecticut.”

Of particular concern to the Red Cross is the lack of available pints of Rh-negative blood types, especially O-Negative, the universal donor.

“With a limited supply of O-Negative, it is very difficult to support the patient needs of 31 Connecticut hospitals,” commented Ginny Kroll, inventory manager for the American Red Cross, Connecticut Blood Services Region.

The Red Cross urges those who missed their appointments to donate blood due to the weather, particularly those with blood types O-Negative, B-Negative, A-Negative and AB-Negative, to call 800-GIVE LIFE to reschedule their appointments as soon as possible.

Anyone who is in generally good health, is 17 or older and weighs 110 pounds or more, is urged to call 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543) to make an appointment for any blood drive in Connecticut. Appointments can also be requested by visiting the website at www.bloodct.org. Positive ID is required at the time of your blood donationz