DEMING – Luna County residents have an opportunity to help meet an urgent need for blood Monday as the American Red Cross holds a community blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mimbres Valley Special Events Center, 2300 E. Pine St.
The Red Cross is currently reporting an emergency blood shortage, saying its blood supply fell nearly 25 percent during June and that patient care could be at risk without more donations. The organization says blood and platelet products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are arriving.
All blood types are needed. Donations help patients facing traumatic injuries, surgeries, cancer treatment, organ transplants, blood disorders and other medical emergencies. The Red Cross says blood or platelets are needed somewhere in the United States about every two seconds.
Appointments are encouraged and may be made at redcrossblood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Those registering online for the Deming drive may use sponsor code LUNADEMING. Walk-in donors will also be accepted.
Most healthy adults may be eligible to donate whole blood if they are at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not given whole blood in the past 56 days. Younger donors may qualify in some circumstances with parental consent. Final eligibility is determined by Red Cross staff after a confidential health screening.
People who are sick or not feeling well should wait until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours. Some medications, recent travel outside the United States, low iron levels, certain medical conditions, tattoos or piercings may require a waiting period or affect eligibility. Most medications do not automatically prevent donation, but prospective donors should bring or know the names of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they take.
Donors should eat a healthy meal before arriving, drink extra water, get a good night’s sleep and avoid fatty foods. The Red Cross also recommends wearing a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled above the elbow.
Anyone giving blood should bring a Red Cross donor card if they have one. Otherwise, a driver’s license or other acceptable identification is needed at check-in. Donors may also complete the Red Cross RapidPass health-history questionnaire online on the day of their appointment to help shorten their visit.
Following a donation, participants are encouraged to rest briefly, have a snack, drink extra fluids and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day. Donors at Monday’s drive will receive a commemorative Red Cross donor T-shirt while supplies last.
Byline: John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News, LLC – John@bravomic.com
