By VINCE ROBINSON
American Red Cross

Following round after round of snow, freezing rain and arctic cold in many parts of the country, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for eligible blood and platelet donors to give now to help restock its shelves.

March storms forced the cancellation of more than 200 blood drives, resulting in nearly 7,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. This shortfall follows more than 26,400 uncollected blood and platelet donations in February due to severe weather across 27 states. Despite the weather, hospital patients still rely on transfusion.

“Blood products are being delivered to hospitals almost as quickly as they come in,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “Donors who give now aren’t just restocking our shelves, they are making sure hope continues to be available for patients in need.”

Residents in unaffected areas can help the Red Cross restock its shelves immediately. As a national network, the Red Cross can help ensure blood products are available for patients at local hospitals as well as hospitals throughout the country.

The Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to make and keep appointments in the coming days. Platelet donors, as well as blood donors with the most in-demand blood types – O negative, A negative and B negative – are particularly encouraged to give now to help replenish the blood supply.

Platelets help prevent massive blood loss and are a vital part of cancer and organ transplant treatments. With a shelf life of just five days, platelet donations are especially needed. Eligible donors with types O negative, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to donate double red cells where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

To find a convenient donation opportunity and schedule an appointment, donors can download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

St. Patrick’s Day Holiday Heroes Blood Drive Hours

http://www.redcrossbloood.org/StPats

Friday, March 13

6 a.m. until noon, Lutheran Donor Center, 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd. Ste. 107 in the south lobby of Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fort Wayne Donor Center, 1212 E. California Rd., Fort Wayne.

Saturday, March 14

6 a.m. until noon, Lutheran Donor Center, 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd. Ste. 107 in the south lobby of Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Fort Wayne Donor Center, 1212 E. California Rd., Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne Donor Center Hours

The Fort Wayne Donor Center located at 1212 E. California Road in Fort Wayne, (across from the Memorial Coliseum)

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
Noon until 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Friday
8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday

Lutheran Hospital Donor Center Hours

The Lutheran Hospital Donor Center located at 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 in Fort Wayne (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital)

Noon until 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
Closed Wednesday
6 a.m. until noon Thursday through Saturday