Blood Supply Low, Threat of Severe Weather High
By: Tiffany Wong
Updated: April 3, 2007
Natural disasters can hit at a moments notice and rapid response is essential but imagine trying to help the injured without blood. "Where are they going to get it from if we as a community don't give? It's very important we are willing to give,” Elaine Jackson Davidson, blood donor. The LifeShare Blood Centers have several types of blood at either critical of low levels. "Currently we are critical on type B-, B+ and O-. Our low is O+ and A+,” explained Tommy Harvey, Donor Recruiting Coordinator, LifeShare Blood Centers. Last month LifeShare was short more than 450 units of blood and that was just for daily use, then add an increased threat of tornados and severe weather in the region and the need for blood could come sooner than later. The Red Cross is familiar with what happens next. "We're looking at how many shelter sites we have available, what the capacity would be and what our volunteer resources would be available for each of those shelter sites, so preparedness is everything for us,” commented E. Reid Brau, Executive Director, American Red Cross. While Davidson doesn't like thinking about a disaster hitting she does want people to think about giving blood before the need becomes too great. "When there is a need there isn't always time to send a bus out and grab people off the corner."
