Red Cross Appeals For Blood Donors As

Nation’s Terror Threat  Level Raised To Orange

FARMINGTON –– America’s terror threat level has been raised to “High/Orange,” and the American Red Cross, Connecticut Blood Services Region is urging blood donors across the state to give blood to help boost the current available supply for local hospital patient needs and for the nation should a major incident or accident take place.

The state is more than 1,600 units short of an adequate blood supply should a major disaster occur.

 “If an incident occurs in Connecticut, the blood would need to be on the shelves, ready to go,” said Gary A. Wandmacher, chief executive officer for the American Red Cross, Connecticut Blood Services Region. “Right now, there is less than a one-day supply of red cells. We are barely able to meet current hospital needs.”

The American Red Cross National Inventory Management System, which is responsible for transporting blood in times of extreme emergency, has stated that it will support hospital patient needs anywhere in the nation in the event of an attack. Testing of blood and transport to an affected area, however, takes hours or even days, thereby compromising the prompt care and treatment of patients.

“The only solution to meeting the immediate medical need for blood here in Connecticut –– no matter the circumstances –– is to have a five- to seven-day supply available at all times,” Mr Wandmacher said, adding that the American Red Cross is supplying the Connecticut Office of Emergency Management and the Connecticut Department of Public Health with updates on the current status of the blood supply for the state.

Blood collection efforts in Connecticut have been stymied lately due to the holidays, the early on-set of the flu in Connecticut and 37 other states, and recent winter storms.

The next blood drive in Newtown is scheduled for January 12 at Trinity Church, 36 Main Street, from 8:30 am to 6:15 pm. It is being sponsored by the Newtown Lions Club and the Newtown Woman’s Club, GFWC. Women Involved in Newtown (WIN) will provide the refreshments.

Donors are needed today, tomorrow, and every day to help save or prolong the lives of patients needing blood transfusions at the state’s 31 urgent care hospitals. Anyone who is 17 or older, weighs 110 pounds or more, is in generally good health, and has not donated blood in the last 56 days, probably is able to donate. Call 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543) to make an appointment to donate blood. Appointments may also be requested by visiting the website at www.bloodct.org.