Blood Deficit in New England
The American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeast Division, has issued an urgent statement regarding the status of the blood supply throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut.
"Currently we are unable to meet hospital standing orders and are asking for everyone's help to turn this critical situation around,." said Donna Morrissey, spokesperson for the Northeast Division.
At present, blood supplies in the northeast are at less than a day's supply for most blood types. The Red Cross has notified the approximately 200 hospitals and medical centers within the Northeast Division, alerting them of the shortage. 2,000 units of blood must be collected each day to meet the basic needs of hospitals throughout New England. The only source of blood is a healthy volunteer donor.
Donated blood is used to help trauma patients, transplant recipients, and those receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses. In the United States, blood is needed for transfusion every two seconds.
Information on blood drives in New Hampshire can be found at online at http://www.newenglandblood.org/nh/ or by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment. Walk-in donors are also welcome.
Blood drives will be held in Concord on:
- Wednesday 9/27 at St. John's Activity Center 72 S. Main St, 10 am - 4 pm;
- Wednesday 9/27 at NH Technical Institute Goldie Crocker Wellness Center, 10 am - 3 pm
- Friday 9/29 at Wesley United Methodist Church 79 Clinton St, 1 - 6 pm
The American Red Cross, Northeast Division, partners with the community to provide a safe and adequate blood supply for patients at over 200 transfusing hospitals and acute care facilities. The Red Cross relies entirely on volunteer blood donors to meet the transfusion needs of patients throughout New England.
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