Blood center needs donors now

Inclement weather and canceled drives have resulted in critical need at Blood Assurance.

Inclement weather and canceled drives have resulted in critical need at Blood Assurance.

This winter’s cold weather has negatively affected is blood donations.

In a news release sent out Wednesday, nonprofit regional blood center Blood Assurance is calling on community members to make a blood donation at a local donor center or bloodmobile, saying the weather has caused drives to be canceled and caused people in affected areas to cancel appointments. The center is in critical need of O negative, O positive and A negative blood.

“We have been in critical need of O positive and O negative for a week now,” said Dr. Elizabeth Culler, medical director at Blood Assurance. “Due to weather, flu, and other circumstances, donors have not been able to come in. We ask that anyone who can donate please give some time this week to build up supplies.”

Each donation of blood contains plasma, red blood cells and platelets that can be used to save up to three lives, according to the release. Patients undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatment or organ transplants rely on donated blood, in addition to the unexpected traumas seen at hospitals on a daily basis.

“Because we are in critical need we are asking healthy donors to come replenish the supply,” said Jay Baumgardner, director of marketing and community relations for Blood Assurance. “If you are able to donate, we ask that you take 30 minutes out of your day to save lives in your community.”

To be eligible to donate blood, a donor must be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.

To schedule an appointment at a donor center or blood drive nearby, visit www.bloodassurance.org, call 800-962-0628 or text ‘BAGIVE’ to 444999.