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Red
Cross begins summer push for blood
June 23, 2003
MELISSA
A. CHADWICK
Observer-Dispatch
As the need for blood donations increases during summer
months, area blood donations decline, said Carole Glinski,
Rome Chapter of the American Red Cross executive director.
That's
why the American Red Cross New York-Penn Region is pushing
its 'Badge of Honor' campaign. The "badge"
refers to the bandage worn after someone donates blood.
Blood
donations decline at a rate of 10 percent to 15 percent,
while hospitals need for blood increases, according
to a release from the Red Cross.
About
3,157 more blood donors will be needed from the New
York-Penn Region area this summer.
People
are more active during the summer months, which leaves
more room for serious accidents and an increased need
for blood, Glinski said. Also, people who need non-emergency
surgeries seem to choose the summer months, she said.
Donations
decrease substantially during the summer months because
colleges and schools close, Glinski said.
"Colleges
and high schools are our largest donation group. When
schools close, there aren't any blood drives there,"
she said.
The
chapter is constantly trying to find new places to hold
blood drives during the summer, she said.
Only
4.1 percent of the eligible population donates blood
in the New York-Penn region, which serves 130 hospitals
in Upstate New York and part of Pennsylvania.
To
donate blood, a person must:
- Be
at least 17 years old.
- Weigh
at least 110 pounds.
- Be
relatively healthy.
Blood
donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.
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