North Central Schools was another host for the American Red Cross in the first week of April. On April 4th, donations were accepted at the school from 1pm-6pm. The Red Cross staff was extremely pleased with the results which exceeded the initial donation goal. Repeat donors are key to the success of the blood drives.
All types of blood are needed, but especially type O-negative. Type O-negative blood is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood, regardless of their own blood type. Type O-negative blood may be used during emergencies, when there is no time to cross-match a person’s blood type. That is why it is especially important that people with type O-negative blood donate as frequently as they can.
The demand for blood products is constant. Approximately every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Blood and platelets are used for many different kinds of treatments, including for accidents and burns, heart surgery, organ transplants, complications during childbirth, cancer and sickle cell disease.
To learn more about donation, you can go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800 REDCROSS.