Red Cross says donations reach record levels despite need for cancer patients, others

(WKBN) – Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Red Cross is registering a record number of donations.

It’s not just trauma patients and emergency patients who need blood. Cancer patients also need donated blood for transfusions and various procedures.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that nearly 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year in the United States.

The Red Cross claims that around 25% of the blood supply is used by cancer patients. However, it is not just the typical blood donation that they need.

“It’s especially important for people to consider donating platelets. Platelets are often needed by patients with breast cancer and other cancers to help prevent potentially fatal bleeding, ”said Jim McIntyre of the Red Cross.

To donate blood, you will need to make an appointment.

The Red Cross asks anyone eligible to donate blood to do so. They are simply looking for these key requirements:

• Over 16
• Weigh over 110 pounds.
• Feel healthy and well

When you go to donate, the Red Cross asks you to disclose your COVID-19 vaccine status. If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine, they also ask you to tell them which one.

If you’ve had COVID before, as long as you’re not sick by the time of your appointment, you can donate.

“We had less than a day’s supply of certain types of blood on our shelves. It’s extremely important to have at least five days of blood supply, ”McIntyre said.

There are several places in the Valley that have upcoming appointments available:

Columbiana County

Hanover
10/26/2021: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., United Local High School, 8143 St. Rt 9

New Waterford
10/27/2021: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Abundant Life Fellowship, 46469 State Route 46

Mahoning County

Board of directors
10/30/2021: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Boardman United Method Church, 6809 Market Street

Canfield
10/27/2021: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., South Range High School, 11300 Columbiana-Canfield Rd

Youngstown
10/26/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Youngstown State Univ KC, 1 University Plaza
10/27/2021: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Youngstown State Univ KC, 1 University Plaza
10/30/2021: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jewish Communication Center, 505 Gypsy Lane

Trumbull County

Nile
10/26/2021: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Niles Wellness Center, 213 Sharkey Drive
10/28/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Eastwood Mall, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Rd.

Warren
10/23/2021: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Howland Community Church, 198 Niles-Cortland Rd.