Donors urged to give blood as region's supply dwindles

From Staff Reports

     The current winter storm has resulted in the cancellation of more than half of all scheduled blood drives throughout the region, further jeopardizing an already fragile blood supply.
     The American Red Cross urges blood donors to donate blood as soon as possible as travel conditions permit.
     Donors living near local blood centers and in areas currently safe for travel are asked to donate blood immediately. Those in travel hampered areas are asked to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or 423-928-7541 for information about scheduling an appointment for the location of the nearest blood drive.
     Just last week, the American Red Cross, along with the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the America's Blood Centers (ABC), issued a united, immediate call for blood donations nationwide. The appeal comes in the face of the increasingly significant blood shortages that have strained the national supply and left parts of the country with less than a one-day supply.
     In the Carolinas Region of the American Red Cross, the current blood supply is hovering at a single day's supply. Approximately 1,500 units of blood are needed each day by patients in more than 100 local hospitals served by the Carolinas Region.
     Eligible blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health.
     Hours for the Johnson City Red Cross Blood Center, located at 1 Professional Drive, Suite 14, are Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday from 1:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.