Summer is usually a slow time for blood donations, but that does not mean the need decreases with the season. The American Red Cross is facing a shortage of several blood types, and donations are needed in order to prevent an emergency situation.
Michelle Rupp, external communications manager for the Red Cross Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region, said it can be easy for people to forget to make a donation during the summer months because their schedules are different. Between vacations and taking care of children while they’re out of school, donating blood gets pushed back.
“Folks are out of their routine. They aren’t thinking about what they would regularly do,” she said. “For those who donated in May or the beginning of June, they should be eligible or almost eligible to donate again. That 56-day window is up.”
The summer is also a difficult time for blood banks because 20 percent of donations throughout the year come from blood drives on high school and college campuses. When classes are not in session, it is harder to fill that quota.
The Red Cross Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region encompasses the whole state of Arkansas, southwest Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee. Overall, the region’s blood donations have been approximately 1,210 fewer per month in June and July than in the previous 10 months. While there is not yet an emergency shortage, the numbers are headed that way, and Rupp said the Red Cross encourages people to donate blood in order to restock the shelves.
“We’re facing a shortage,” she said. “Naturally, we want that blood there. We have hospitals that depend on that blood on a daily basis. Also, if something unfortunate were to happen, we want that blood on the shelves. We have to keep up with the demand.”
Blood types O negative, B negative and A negative are specifically needed. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types B negative and A negative can be transfused to Rh positive or Rh negative patients.
Rupp said platelet donors and those with type AB blood are also asked to consider making donations. Platelets must be transfused within five days of donation — making the need constant — and are often needed by cancer patients, surgical patients and bone-marrow recipients. Type AB donors have the universal plasma type, meaning their donation can be given to patients of all blood types.
Rupp said donors can visit a donation center or a blood drive to make a donation. While walk-in donations are acceptable, Rupp said it is best to make an appointment.
“That allows for us to be ready to receive you,” she said. “It’s very simple to make those appointments. You can do it at redcrossblood.org.”
Upcoming blood drives in the Tri-Lakes Edition coverage area are as follows:
Monday
College of the Ouachitas
1 College Circle
Malvern
Noon to 5 p.m
Wednesday
Arkansas Health Center
6701 U.S. 67
Benton
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday
Poyen High School
111 N. School St.
Poyen
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aug. 31
Walmart Supercenter
17309 I-30 West
Benton
Noon to 4 p.m.
Stribling Equipment
Arkadelphia
301 High School Drive
Arkadelphia
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or aspencer@arkansasonline.com.