Toledo area experiencing blood shortage
1/10/2014The frigid weather has created a blood shortage in the Toledo area.
American Red Cross officials said the bad weather forced the agency to cancel 14 blood drives in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan over the last week and as a result there were about 364 fewer donations during that period.
There is an urgent need for types O, A negative, and B negative blood so the Red Cross is asking all eligible blood and platelet donors to help replenish the local supply.
Platelets are a key clotting component of blood that is often needed by cancer patients, said spokesman Tiffany Gradel.
“Blood products were available for patients who still needed transfusions despite the weather. Now we invite those previously ‘frozen out’ from giving blood or platelets to come in soon,” Ms. Gradel said.
Those interested can reach the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or through the agencies Web site redcrossblood.org.