Winter storms and extreme conditions along the East Coast had an impact the blood supply, leaving parts of the country with less than a one-day supply of this life-giving resource.
Nearly one-half of Red Cross Blood Services regions are currently suffering from or anticipate severe blood shortages, with several reporting less than a one-day supply of O blood, the universal blood type that can be transfused into any patient in an emergency.
Blood is essential to the safety of our nation. It is needed for many everyday illnesses and accidents such as organ transplants, premature babies, open heart surgeries, treatment of cancer, trauma, accident victims and burns.
According to the American Red Cross, while only 5 percent of eligible people actually donate, it is estimated that 95 percent of us will need blood or a blood product during our lifetime.
In our area, more than 1,600 units of blood are needed each day for patients in local hospitals.
Each blood donation is processed into three components with specific uses; red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
Red blood cells carry blood from the lungs to every cell in the body. These are used for patients in surgery or those who have lost a large amount of blood.
Platelets help blood clot and are needed for cancer patients to offset the effects of chemotherapy.
Plasma, which makes up more than half of blood, is used to control bleeding in certain patients.

“Giving blood is vital to the health community of our world,” said Sara Whitlock, president of Volunteer ETSU. “Without people who are willing to donate their time and blood, lives would not be saved.”
The blood donation process usually takes about an hour and the actual time spent giving blood is about six to 12 minutes.
As soon as the donated blood has been removed, fluid from the body’s tissue starts entering the blood stream and the body’s production of red blood cells increases.
Blood volume is restored within several hours and red cell volume in several weeks. Donors may give blood every eight weeks.
Several organizations on campus hold blood drives during the school year. The Army ROTC, Volunteer ETSU and Campus Ministries all have planned blood drives.
Campus Ministries will be holding a blood drive April 16 in the Ballroom of the Culp Center, but there are centers here in Johnson City where students, faculty or anyone interested can donate.
The American Red Cross has a donor center a few miles from campus. It is located in the professional park across from Johnson City Medical Center on State of Franklin. To find out more about giving blood, call the donor center at 928-7541.
“There is a national need for all blood types and it’s important for people to see their role in helping solve this crisis, Whitlock said.
“I encourage everyone who is able to come to the upcoming Campus Ministries blood drive or visit the local donor center.”
For more information on giving blood go to www.givelife.org.
For information on other serices of the American Red Cross visit their web site at www.redcross.org.

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