May 20, 2024
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Blood donors still desperately needed

American Red Cross said some hospitals are slowing the pace of elective procedures because of it

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

Vials of blood await testing at Heartland Blood Centers, 2428 Sycamore Road in DeKalb. Since donated blood is perishable, with red blood cells having a shelf life of 42 days and platelets five days, the need for blood donations is constant. The American Red Cross said in a news release on Monday that the shortage of blood donations is forcing some hospitals “to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.” (Katrina J)

On June 15, The Herald-News reported that blood donors of all blood types, especially O, were desperately needed.

The American Red Cross said in a news release on Monday that the shortage is forcing some hospitals “to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.”

Blood shortages are due to “an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants,” the release said. A blood shortage is not the optimal way to head into the Fourth of July weekend, especially since motor vehicle crashes tend to rise over holidays, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

And while summer is typically a time when donations decline, they are even lower this year, the release said. Many people, after a year of limited interactions, are now fully vaccinated and planning vacations and time with family and friends, not trips to the blood bank, the release said.

To help restock the supply, the American Red Cross is offering several opportunities to donate at 1293 Windham Parkway in Romeoville.

The events will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 30 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 3 and July 9.

Or schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois has a donor facility at 2625 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet. Visit donate.illinois.versiti.org and click the “Schedule to Donate” tab.