Red Cross Cites Urgent Need for Blood Donors
Red Cross officials are urging the public to donate blood, as reserve supplies in Orange and Los Angeles counties dip to dangerously low levels.
Area hospitals have enough blood to treat patients at the moment, but restocking units is going to be difficult if donations do not improve, said Judy Iannaccone, Red Cross spokeswoman. Blood reserves are a little more than half of what they should be.
“This is an emergency appeal for blood donors,” Iannaccone said. “It’s pretty darn serious.”
Shortages were created by demand for units in storm-plagued Northern California and the Pacific Northwest along with a seasonally smaller donor pool caused by winter vacations, colds and fewer donor drives.
“Traditionally, this is the time of the year we find our supplies declining,” Iannaccone said.
Eligible donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and not at risk for HIV, the AIDS virus.
Appointments can be made at centers countywide.
Information: (800) GIVE LIFE, or (800) 448-3543.
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