Red Cross see blood shortage; blood drive at Morris Library
PDF The American Red Cross faces critical blood shortages as donations remain low, Laurie Nehring said.
“Blood inventory is low,” said Nehring, communications manager of the American Red Cross. “Turnouts are so low that we haven’t added any more (donation) schedules.”
Morris Library will host a Red Cross blood drive today from from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m to help alleviate the national blood shortage. Trained specialists will set up booths where students can give donations.
Heather D. Willis, assistant dean of Morris Library, said the blood drive will be held to increase donations and curb shortages. Due to the shortage, Red Cross has issued an appeal for all blood types. Willis said all students, faculty and community members are encouraged to come.
“The summer months are typically when donations begin to slow down,” she said.
Willis and Nehring said summer travelers and excessive heat waves have contributed to low donations during the summer. Spring storms in the southern Illinois region have also added to the low summer donations, Nehring said.
“Spring brought about lots of natural disasters, and the summer heat waves make it uncomfortable for people to (donate).”
Nehring said the demand for blood supplies remain constant throughout the year and, according to documents she provided, many patients are forced to postpone or cancel lifesaving medical procedures.
One blood donation can save three lives, according to the Red Cross website. The website said donations can benefit cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, burn victims and patients with chronic diseases.
Jessica Lopez, a sophomore from Chicago studying education, said she would be willing to donate blood to help other people.
“I think if you are able to help out then you should,” Lopez said. “I would definitely be open to donating.”
Lopez said a blood drive in the library will make it easier for her and other students to donate.
Willis said donors must be 17 or older, meet weight and height requirements and have good health.
“We want to help in any way we can,” Willis said. “We encourage students to donate.”
