Page 12 - March ARB Beacon 1-29-16

www.aerotechnews.com/marcharb
facebook.com/TeamMarch
(PHUJHQF\QHHGIRUEORRGGRQRUVIROORZLQJ12 January 29, 2016
KLVWRULFVQRZVWRUP

Redcross.org, posted January 25, 2016

January is designated as National Blood Donor Month. As millions of residents dig out give. Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients - must be
from the historic winter storm that slammed the East Coast this past weekend, the American transfused within five days of donation, so donations are always needed.
Red Cross is facing an emergency need for blood and platelet donors. Severe winter weather
since Jan. 1 has forced the cancellation of more than 300 blood drives in 20 states, resulting In addition, eligible donors with type AB blood are urgently needed to donate, especially
in approximately 9,500 donations uncollected, further depleting an already low winter sup- platelets where available. Type AB is the universal plasma type, suitable for patients of all
ply. blood types. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure and supplies critical proteins for clotting
and immunity. It is often needed for burn, trauma and clotting factor deficiency patients and
The impact of this weekend’s winter storm continues to affect multiple states along the can be given during a platelet donation.
East Coast, and more blood drives will likely be cancelled. Right now, blood products are
being distributed to hospitals as quickly as donations come in. Schedule anAppointment to Donate Today
To make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, download the Blood Donor App,
The Need for Blood Doesn’t Get a Snow Day visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card
Even when Mother Nature strikes, the Red Cross still needs to collect approximately or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals
14,000 blood and platelet donations each day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals and trans- who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds
fusion centers nationwide. Blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and
including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight re-
receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. quirements.
While winter weather wreaks havoc in some areas, others are enjoying clear skies and Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete
safe conditions. The Red Cross has the ability to move blood products where and when they their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their do-
are needed most, so donors in unaffected areas are encouraged to make and keep blood and nation, from a home or work computer prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get
platelet donation appointments. Donors in weather affected areas are urged to give blood or started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instruc-
platelets once travel is deemed safe. tions on the site.
Roll Up a Sleeve –All Blood Types Needed
All blood types are needed to help ensure a sufficient blood supply is available for pa-
tients. Eligible donors with types O, B negative and A negative blood are encouraged to
donate double red cells where available.
There is also an emergency need for platelet donors to make and keep appointments to

SWIPE
YOUR WAY TO THE

SUPER BOWL!

If you don’t have an Altura Debit Courtesy of Papa John’s,
or MasterCard®, get yours today!*
the Official Pizza Sponsor of Super Bowl 50.
Follow us on
Federally Insured by NCUA.
www.Alturacu.com | 866-571-5091

*For more details on how to win 2 Super Bowl tickets visit www.Alturacu.com/superbowl