The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis - the worst blood shortage in more than a decade, according to officials. The need for blood to be used in life-saving medical procedures is posing a concerning risk to patient car and subsequently doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available.
Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. "While some types of medical care can wait, others can't," said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross.
In response to the critical need, Sumpter Township has scheduled a blood drive from noon until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4. American Red Cross medical personnel will be at the Sumpter Township Community Center gymnasium during the blood drive which will be by appointment only. Donors need to log onto RedCrossBlood.org (Sumpter) or call the township office at (734)461-6201 to make an appointment. The donation experience can be streamlined, Red Cross officials said, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org /RapidPass to complete the necessary pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of donor's appointment.
Donors must be at least 16-years-old and some 16 and 17-year-old donors must bring a signed permission form from a parent or guardian. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and certain height/weight criteria may apply for donors 22-years-old or younger. Donors must be in good general health.
Specially trained technical staff are available at each blood collection center and details of each donor's health and activities are discussed in a confidential setting prior to blood donation. The majority of donor eligibility rules are specified by the Food and Drug Administration for every collection center.
The blood center is heavily regulated and mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As such, each donor must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to donate blood. If a donor does not meet one or more of the eligibility requirements they would be deferred from donating blood that day.
