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Severe Weather Hampering Blood Drives

Last updated on Thursday, February 13, 2014

(UNDATED) - Severe winter weather throughout January and into February has forced the cancellation of
American Red Cross blood drives from coast to coast.

According to the CEO of Red Cross River Valley Blood Services Region, the Red Cross on average must collect about 15,000 units of blood every day to help patients nationwide.

Nationwide, donations in January 2014 were down about 10 percent when you average typical January donations since 2011. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals as quickly as donations come in. All blood types are needed to help restock Red Cross shelves.

There is an urgent need for type O negative, O positive, B negative and A negative blood. Type O negative is universal and can likely be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to patients with either Rh positive or negative blood.

Platelets, a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, are also urgently needed. Platelets must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are constantly needed.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Lawrence County

Feb. 14 at Lehigh Cement Company, in the Manning Building training room, in Mitchell from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Feb. 17 at Anytime Fitness (Red Cross bus) 2643 16th St., from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb. 19 at Wal-Mart (Red Cross bus) 3200 John Williams Bld. From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 at First Baptist Church Christian Life at 1515 20th St., from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Feb. 26 at G6 Salon (Red Cross bus) 1153 16th St., from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Martin County

Feb. 13 at St. Johns Catholic Church at 408 Church St. in Loogootee from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Monroe County

Feb. 13 at First Presbyterian Church, at 221 E. 6th St., Bloomington, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Feb. 17 at Read Residence Center Landes Formal Lounge, at 125 S. Jordan St., Bloomington, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 at Indiana University Memorial Union, Georgian Room, at 814 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 at Army National Guard (Red Cross Bus) at 1900 Hospital Drive, Martinsville, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Orange County

Feb. 17 at Paoli Christian Church at 1700 W. Hospital Rd., Paoli from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Feb. 24 at WalMart (Red Cross Bus) at 735 Gospel Rd., Paoli, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 at Orleans High School lobby, at 200 W. Wilson St., Orleans, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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