Fall Patients Expected
to Require
73,000 Blood Transfusions
ARIZONA
FALL PATIENT BLOOD USAGE
DRAMATICALLY ESCALATES
The cold and flu season is anticipated to have a
significant impact on donor eligibility, reducing the number of
people able to give blood. More than 73,000 blood component
transfusions are expected to be required by patients during the
fall, which is the second highest blood usage time of the year.
Since blood has a shelf life of 42 days, the donations given
today can help meet patient needs as Arizona enters the holiday
season.
TYPE O DONORS NEEDED
While 43% of the population has type O blood, more than half of
all patients requiring transfusions patients need type O. It is
the universal blood type that is used primarily by emergency and
trauma patients. Because it can also be substituted for other
blood types in times of extreme need, an abundant supply of type
O provides flexibility with Arizona's precious blood supply.
This morning, 109 hospital requests for type
O blood went unfilled due to limited supplies. As fall blood
usage escalates, blood drive coordinators can help by personally
asking every type O donor to give blood.
UNITED
BLOOD SERVICES ANNOUNCES
4th QUARTER RED CAPE REWARDS
In appreciation for giving blood, all October, November and
December donors are automatically entered into a drawing to win
a five-day, four-night excursion at the Southfork Ranch, the
location of the famous television series "Dallas." Courtesy of
Forever Resorts, the package includes deluxe accommodations at
the Southfork Hotel, daily breakfasts at Remington's Restaurant,
a tour of the Ranch and roundtrip airfare. To qualify, donate at
any United Blood Services' blood drive or donor center October
through December. To make an appointment, call 602-431-9500 in
the Phoenix area.
-
Whole
blood can be donated every 8 weeks
-
Plasma
can be donated every 4 weeks
-
Platelets
can be donated every 3 days
