RFD coming to aid in blood emergency
By Staff
Jason Cannon, Franklin County Times
Because of decreased collections, current projections for July and an increase in the demand for blood during summer months, the American Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region has elected to initiate an emergency appeal to mobilize donors to the cause of saving lives through blood donation.
In response to the call to duty, Russellville Fire Marshal Bobby Malone said the Fire Department will sponsor a blood drive Tuesday, July 31 from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Russellville City Hall.
The appeal period began June 25 and will last until the blood inventory reaches a satisfactory and safe level. Blood, and consequently blood donors, are a critical link in the chain of the region's health care system, as the American Red Cross supplies more than 100 hospitals in the region. Without generous volunteer donors, blood will not be available for all patients if the inventory gets low enough. If the blood supply is dangerously low, elective surgeries will be postponed in order to preserve the blood supply for life-saving emergency medical treatment.
"Right now, patients in area hospitals across the Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region need you to make the time to roll up your sleeve and donate blood," said Dr. Ken McMilin, medical director of American Red Cross Blood Services in the Alabama and central Gulf Coast region.
McMilin added that blood right now is simply not available in sufficient quantities.
"Blood must be available whenever it is needed to keep lives out of jeopardy. We have reached an emergency situation and the blood will not be there without the immediate response of generous, volunteer blood donors like you," the doctor added.
The American Red Cross is especially seeking those donors who do not routinely give blood.
The network of regular eligible donors has been trimmed back thanks in part to several large-scale media blood drives earlier in the summer.
Those who gave at the drives in June won't be eligible to give again until at least August, making it crucial that those who don't regularly roll up their sleeves for donation do so during the coming weeks.
In order to give blood, one must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in overall good health. Donors must present a photo ID or an American Red Cross donor card when donating.
If you cannot give, recruit someone to give in your place.
For the 48 hours prior to donation, double fluid intake. Eat a nutritious meal the night before and the day of a blood donation.
