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Red Cross seeks donations for tornado victims Tornados that hit Georgia and Alabama are taxing an already-low blood supply and donations are needed to supplement the available supply, say officials of the American Red Cross. Currently at Red Cross headquarters there is less than a one-day supply of type O and type B blood, which are the types in greatest demand in hospital emergency rooms. "We sent 75 units of type O blood to Alabama last night and want to be prepared for further requests from Alabama hospitals as well as from hospitals in south Georgia, where people are recovering from severe tornados," said Mario Sedlock, director of donor services of American Red Cross Blood Services Southern Region. "Due to storm damage, several blood drives had to be cancelled and our Columbus Donor Center is closed through the weekend. This means we need more blood donors across Georgia to step up to help their neighbors in these areas that sustained so much damage." A multi-victim bus accident in Atlanta that occurred early Friday, March 2 may also result in a greater need for blood donations, since the current blood supply is far below optimal levels, according to the Red Cross. Most healthy people age 17 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood and platelets. Giving blood and platelets is safe and necessary. A person can donate blood every 56 days and platelets every two weeks, up to 24 times each year.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or log on to www.givebloodredcross. org.
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