Red Cross appeals for blood
From Jeanne Meserve
CNN
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The American Red Cross has issued a national appeal for blood donations.
"We don't launch appeals unless we have a critical situation," Marty Evans, the president of the American Red Cross, told CNN.
The nation currently has only a one to two-day supply on hand because snowstorms in the eastern part of the country closed some blood collection centers for several days.
This may result in the delay of some surgeries, says Evans, adding the Red Cross is moving blood from region to region to make sure emergency supplies are adequate.
The Red Cross prefers to have a one week supply on hand. Before the storm hit, however, their reserves dropped to three to four days because of the approaching holiday weekend and winter weather.
In 2002, the number of people donating blood surpassed 4 million, an increase of 21 percent over the past five years, according to the Red Cross. But because blood is perishable, the supplies must be continually refreshed.
Evans says the appeal for blood is nationwide. She urges people to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make a donation appointment.
