Local blood donors help with seasonal shortage

<p>Democrat photo / David A. Wilson</p><p>Anna Hall participates in an American Red Cross Blood Drive, hosted at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Jan. 25. The drive brought in 25 units to help provide blood during a shortage due, at least in part, to weather-related issues.</p>

Democrat photo / David A. Wilson

Anna Hall participates in an American Red Cross Blood Drive, hosted at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Jan. 25. The drive brought in 25 units to help provide blood during a shortage due, at least in part, to weather-related issues.

A blood drive held Jan. 25 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church brought in a donation of 25 units. This helps the American Red Cross with the reported blood shortage, which has reached a critical level.

According to the Red Cross, the severe weather caused cancellation of more than 550 blood drives in January, resulting in more than 16,500 fewer blood and platelet donations. Bitter cold temperatures and widespread influenza also have resulted in low turnout at many of the blood drives which have been held.

"Blood and platelet donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in," said Joe Zydlo, external communications manager of the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. "Donors are critically needed to restock the shelves for patients in their community as well as areas where donors are unable to give due to inclement weather."

It was reported that the Red Cross needs to collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day, no matter what the weather is, to meet the needs of patients.

A donor may make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting the website or calling 1-800-733-2767.

Check to find locations for an opportunity to donate blood. In addition to many locations in Jefferson City, nearby blood donation locations are:

Pilot Grove on Feb. 6, from 1-7 p.m. at the Community Building, 302 Progress

Eldon on Feb. 12, from 2-7 p.m. at the Eldon Community Center, 309 E. 2nd St.

On the web: redcrossblood.org