Blood emergency declared across state

GREENE COUNTY―Blood centers across New York State have declared a blood emergency with less than a two-day supply overall, and less than a one-day supply for type O blood in some areas of the state.

Scheduled donations, which account for 90% of all blood donations, have dropped sharply in recent weeks, according to the American Red Cross. As a result, the blood supply has fallen by several thousand units in just a week, raising concerns that the decline could worsen as trauma season is underway.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings an increase in severe injuries from car accidents, ATV crashes, sports-related injuries and other summer activities. In fact, AAA reports that fatal crashes involving teen drivers rise by 30% during this time, often called the “100 deadliest days.”

A person injured in a serious car accident can require up to 100 units of blood and trauma patients can sometimes require dozens, even hundreds of blood transfusions in a matter of hours.

“For a person suffering from severe bleeding―and the emergency medical responders caring for them―stopping the bleeding and stabilizing them is a race against an unforgiving clock,” says Dr. Emily Coberly, medical director for the Red Cross.

“Every minute matters. For each minute that passes without blood transfusion, the risk of death increases by 11% for patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock. That’s why having a readily available blood supply is critical,” Coberly said.

While hospitals are currently able to meet patient needs, continued shortages could result in delays or postponements of scheduled and elective surgeries, according to the New York State Department of Health (DOH).

“Every unit of lifesaving blood on an ambulance, emergency medical helicopter or in a hospital didn’t get there by accident. It’s there because someone rolled up their sleeve to give blood," added Coberly.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states―16 with parental consent, where allowed by state law―weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

As an added incentive, those who donate at a Red Cross blood drive between June 1-28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.

Locally, upcoming Red Cross blood drives are scheduled at Thunderhart Golf Course in Freehold and the Durham Ambulance Building on June 18, and Gospel Community Church in Coxsackie on June 19.

To search blood drives by zip code or register to give, visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.