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Chinook blood drive can help dangerous blood shortage

by Carla Jenewein

Chinook Red Cross blood drive organizer

The Chinook Community will be hosting a blood drive on Tuesday January 4th, 2022 at Wallner Hall (330 Illinois) from Noon - 6 p.m. during a time of great need for donations.

“This is serious. The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade,” American Red Cross said on its website. “The dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants. Your donation is desperately needed this holiday season. Please schedule an appointment to give now.”

Donors of all blood types are needed.

Appointments are highly encouraged by the American Red Cross. You can go online at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-REDCROSS) to schedule an appointment.  Or you can call Carla at 406-357-8506 and please leave a message if I do not answer.

Walk-ins are welcome, however available appointment slots for walk-ins are limited so making an appointment will ensure you will be able to donate.  

Parental consents for those 16 or 17 years of age can be picked up at the high school office any time before the drive, as well as at the registration table at Wallner Hall the day of the drive.

Consider a Power Red Donation: “During a Power Red donation, you give a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of your blood used every day for those needing transfusions as part of their care. This type of donation uses an automated process that separates your red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns your plasma and platelets to you.

With just a little extra time at your appointment, you can donate more red cells and increase your impact on patients in need. It typically takes approximately one hour.

“Red cells from a Power Red donation are typically given to trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss. Power Red is for type O, A negative or B negative donors. You would donate every 112 days, up to 3 times per year. You must be in good health and feeling well. Male donors must be at least 17 years of age, at least 5’1” tall and weigh at least 130 pounds. Female donors must be at least 19 years of age, at least 5’5” tall and weigh at least 150 pounds.”

“The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood.” 

We are looking forward to seeing you at Wallner Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

 

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