Patty Harris holds a pint of blood at the lab at Alleghany Memorial Hospital. A pint is the typical amount given by a blood donor.

American Red Cross faces blood shortages

During the summer months, the American Red Cross runs low on several types of blood, and is currently in urgent need of blood types O positive, O negative and B positive. In attempt to help with the shortage, Alleghany High School will hold a blood drive Sept. 11 from 8:15 a.m. until 1:45 p.m.

Ashley H. Mills, who serves as a senior donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross, explains why the need of blood increases during the summer months.

"Because of travel plans and the hot weather, blood donations go down in the summer," Mills said. "However, because there is more travel, unfortunately, that means more accidents and the need for blood goes up. Couple that with the scheduling of elective surgeries during the summer and the need for blood is great. The blood drive at AHS will help us to rebuild the blood supply after the Labor Day weekend, the 'last' travel weekend of the summer."

Mills pointed out the need for O positive, O negative and B positive types of blood are the most urgent, meaning there is less than a day- and-a-half supply. Meanwhile, there is a critical need, or less than two days supply, available for A negative and B negative. Mills pointed out although there is an urgent or critical need for the aforementioned blood types, all blood types are needed. Addressing the importance of giving blood, Mills commented, "It is needed every day. Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs a blood transfusion. One in 10 persons entering the hospital need blood, with the average transfusion of 3.4 pints.

"In our region, hospital use 1,500 to 1,600 blood products every day," Mills continued. "However, only 5 percent of the eligible populations give blood. We desperately need help with making sure our blood supply remains stable and safe for those who need it, whenever and wherever it is needed."

Who Can Give Blood?

There are few qualifications an individual must possess in order to donate blood. The basics include the individual donating must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. According to Mills, the whole process should take no more than an hour.

"All donors must present ID (identification) when coming to give blood," Mills said. The identification can be a driver's license, work ID with photo or an American Red Cross blood donor card. "All donors also need to remember to eat and drink really well before coming to give blood in order to ensure a safe and easy blood donation.

"The need for blood is great and only continues to rise," Mills said. "The students at Alleghany High School are committed to helping their community by sponsoring a blood drive, encouraging others to donate and by donating blood themselves. The support this group shows to the American Red Cross is greatly appreciated."

Harris offers insight into blood donations

Of the residents in the county, Patty Harris is one individual who comprehends the importance of giving blood. The lives of both of her now-grown daughters, Julie Harris and Jennie Andrews, were saved through the generosity of blood donors.

Harris' younger daughter, Julie Harris, was diagnosed at the age of 20 with Scimitar Syndrome, a birth defect typically found in a youngster's early years.

Harris explained in layman's terms, her daughter Julie was diagnosed with Scimitar Syndrome when it was discovered a pulmonary vein was hooked into the wrong chamber.

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