FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2007

Near Record Blood Usage This Past Weekend Means Type O Blood Donors Are Urgently Needed

DAYTON, OH — (April 23, 2007) Community Blood Center (CBC) faced near record blood usage over the weekend as area patients used 700 units of red cells (record stands at 710 units used in a weekend).  In the past week, patients have used more blood than was collected leading to a blood shortage of 894 pints.  CBC has a critical need for donors with type O blood.  Type O+ (positive) is 40% low area wide with only a one day supply remaining on CBC’s shelves.  Type O- (negative) is 36% low area wide with just over a one day supply on the blood center’s shelves. 

• One trauma patient utilized 172 units of blood (red cells) and blood products (platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate) over the weekend. 
• Another patient used 52 red cell units for an aneurism within the past week. 
• A heart patient used 30 units of red cells and 7 units of platelets. 
• 24 red cell units were transfused to a trauma patient.
• Another patient used 17 red cell units for a gastrointestinal bleed.

Additionally, CBC canceled a blood drive today at Bellbrook High School due to the recent death of a student and the grief counseling occurring today at the school.  The drive was expected to register 100 donors.

At this time, the general public is asked to donate at one of our donor centers in Dayton, Middletown, Springfield, West Chester and Richmond, IN or at one of our community blood drives.  For more information, visit: www.givingblood.org.

 “The need for blood never takes a break, even while the rest of us are enjoying a beautiful weekend,” stated Jodi Minneman, chief operating officer of blood services.  “Patients and their families know first hand how important the blood supply is.  On their behalf, I am inviting area residents to replenish the blood supply to make sure blood is there when the next person needs it.”

Please note: CBC no longer requires donors to provide their social security number when they register to donate.  Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name.  Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card.  Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good physical health.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically.  Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1-800-388-GIVE. 

Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services™, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is registered to ISO 9001:2000.  Community Blood Center provides blood products to 25 hospitals in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys.  For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services™, visit www.givingblood.org.

Copyright 2005 Community Blood Center