Red Cross Extends Urgent Appeal for Blood
The American Red Cross has extended its emergency appeal for blood in Southern California through the weekend because supplies remain critically low, an executive said Friday.
Groups O and B blood and platelets--critically important to the survival of patients with clotting problems, leukemia, cancer and other diseases--are needed most.
“There is a special need for Group O blood, since nearly one-half the population has this blood type, and O negative blood is also the ‘universal’ donor blood often used in emergencies,” said William D. Nicely, Southern California chief of Red Cross Blood Services. “To date, no surgeries or other medical procedures at hospitals served by American Red Cross Blood Services have been canceled, but if donations do not increase, nonemergency procedures may have to be postponed.”
For information on donating blood, call (800) GIVE-LIFE.
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