Urgent call issued for blood

While the economy and H1N1 are hitting the nation, Blood Assurance is taking a hit on their blood supply.Lacey Wilson, Blood Assurance public relations representative, said 101,733 usable units of blood were collected in 2008, but there is a major shortage of blood.

She said Blood Assurance is in desperate need of A negative and O negative blood.

"O negative blood is always in high demand and only 6.6 percent of the population has that type," Wilson said. "O negative is also the universal donor. It's the type used in emergency situations when there is not enough time to type a victim's blood."

Wilson said, summer months affect the blood supply by the increase in vehicular accidents. The flu season also affects blood donations.

"In the flu season.donors have to be well and cannot be taking certain medications or antibiotics," she said. "Red blood cells only last 42 days and platelets last only five days, so even though someone donates today, that blood has to be used in 42 days or less."

Due to the economy, Wilson said there are significantly fewer potential donors in the workforce as well.

"Some of our industrial plants who have hosted blood drives on a regular basis have closed their doors," Wilson said. "Likewise, when several layoffs have been made at a company, the remaining employees have an increased workload and can't always stop working to donate."

According to Blood Assurance, blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors must also go through a mini-physical and health questionnaire, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate and iron level.

There is no upper age limit or weight limit to donating, Wilson said.

"Less than 10% of eligible donors actually give blood, but there's a 95% chance that a person will need a blood transfusion by the age of 72," Wilson said. "Essentially, less than 10% of the population is maintaining the blood supply for the remaining 90 percent."

Isaac Thompson, a Nashville junior, said he has never donated blood before, and he is unsure about donating.

"I am scared of needles [for one], and also of inexperienced nurses administering them," he said.

"We have a new volunteer program, so if you're not able to donate blood, you can volunteer at Blood Assurance to help generate awareness of the need for blood donations," Wilson said.

"Blood Assurance is a valued community asset because of their continuous efforts to assist those who are suffering from serious injury or illness," Chancellor Roger Brown said. "I have been a blood donor, and I encourage all of the students, staff, and faculty at UTC to consider this act of

generosity to our neighbors in need."

"It's important to know that even if you're not originally from Chattanooga.as long as you are here in this community, it is our responsibility to provide blood products should you ever need it," Wilson said.

For more information, or to donate blood, go to bloodassurance.org, call 756-0966 or visit the Blood Assurance building on Fourth Street.

See link to Blood Assurance below for more information