Ohio hospitals are stepping up their efforts to reel in blood donations ahead of an increased need for blood.
This year, Ohio University has hosted 67 blood drives, collecting 1,663 pints of blood. Last academic year the university hosted 76 drives, collecting 1,983 donations. Another 20 blood drives are scheduled for the remainder of the school year, according to the Red Cross.
At the end of March, the Athens County Chapter of the Red Cross already had approximately 200 donations more than what they had collected by that time last year.
Heather Reichle, communications specialist for the Central Ohio Blood Services Region for the American Red Cross, said although the Red Cross is ahead of its quota, there is still a constant need for donations.
Typically (blood type) O negative is the one we need the most because it can be given to anyone
so that is always in demand Reichle said. In the 27 counties we have seen a goal increase of what we want to collect and that is based on a demand from our hospitals.
The region's goal for number of donations has risen from 2,302 in 2008-2009 to 2,436 for 2009-2010, according to the Red Cross.
Yesterday the blood drive at the HDL Center on West Union Street provided another opportunity for anyone willing to give blood to do so. According to the Red Cross, out of the 39 hospitals located in the Central Ohio Blood Services Region, around 650 donations are needed every day to meet patient needs.
HDL Center employee Candice Casto, a Morgan County resident, gave blood for the second time this year and said that she tries to donate 2 to 3 times a year.
I usually say yes whenever they call to ask
Casto said.
Upcoming blood drives on campus include the Alex Bibler Memorial Drive from 2 to 8 p.m. May 26 at the Charles J. Ping Center, and another to be held from 2 to 8 p.m. April 29 in Bromley Hall.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years old, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. A donor must also present photo ID and be ready to answer questions about general health, travel history and what medicines they are using.
We'd like to give the best product possible to the patients who need it
Reichle said. No matter what type of blood type you are you can definitely help.
1
News
Pat Holmes
