By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

LifeShare Blood Center is in need of all blood types as levels reach critical levels during National Blood Donor Month.

“The past two weeks have been a struggle for blood collections – hospitals have had to reschedule treatments, and LifeShare has been forced to import blood from other centers just to get by,” according to a press release.

Blood Drives scheduled in Orange are:

• Saint Francis Catholic Church in san Damiano Center from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 at 4300 Meeks Drive.
• Hartburg Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 2316County Road 4181.

Blood Drives scheduled in Bridge City are:

• Bridge City Elementary and Intermediate LifeShare Bus from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 1035 Roundbunch Road.
• First Baptist Church – Bridge City in the Fellowship Hall from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at 200 West Roundbunch Road.

Blood Drives scheduled in Vidor are:

• Faith Assembly of God Lunch room from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at 390 Archie Street

During the holiday season, blood collections numbers drop significantly and the need for blood often increases. Recent reports reflect the patient use of blood supply has exceeded blood donations, which has resulted in a one day or less supply for nearly all blood types and components. Blood donors are urged to take 20-30 minutes out of their day and donate blood at a local center or mobile drive, according to a press release.

Patients undergoing cancer treatment are the largest users of donated blood, in which case blood is vital to sustain the patient’s life. Others may need a blood transfusion as a result of a blood disorder, surgery, sickle cell anemia, complications during childbirth, or a trauma accident.

Blood donations are provided to those in need, approximately one in seven people entering a hospital require a blood transfusion. When local citizens make regular blood donations, it ensures the blood supply is kept at a safe level, and the blood bank is able to supply local hospitals with the needed blood components.

“There is no substitute for blood, that’s why we urge the public to donate before levels are critical,” Tenille T. Terry, spokesperson for LifeShare Blood Centers, said.