06/27/08 Morning Edition
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/medical/article/jmh_holds_emergency_blood_drive_friday_at_barter_stage_ii/11099/
Blood donations are in the red at Johnston Memorial Hospital’s Blood Bank.
The Abingdon-based medical facility is holding and emergency blood drive Friday at the Barter Theater Stage II on Main Street.
The blood bank is running dangerously low on critical blood types O+, O- and A-. JMH officials say the upcoming holiday week has sparked a critical need for blood donations.
High gas prices are putting the brakes on drivers heading out of town for vacation. This is driving the need for more blood donors and supply across the Tri-Cities.
JMH needs 80-units of O+ blood in the bank. There are currently five units available. There are usually 80 units of O- blood in the bank. Right now there are 11 units available. The A-blood supply needs 30 units to be considered fully stocked. There are currently 11 units available.
Here is the current blood bank inventory:
O+ blood Normal Stock =80 units Available Stock=5units
O- blood Normal Stock =40 units Available Stock=11units
A- blood Normal Stock =30 units Available Stock=7units
A+ blood Normal Stock =70 units Available Stock=30units
Blood bank officials are hoping for at least 100 potential donors to show up at the Barter Blood Drive.
Statistically, for every 100 donors: -35 people will be O+ -15 people will be O- -35 people will be A+ -15 people will be A-
JMH Medical officials say they may have to postpone some elective surgeries until the blood shortage is over. The average donation shelf-life is 35 days.
The blood bank is holding an emergency drive Friday 11:30a.m. to 5p.m at the Barter Theater Stage Two on Main Street in Abingdon. This is part of their “Summer of Speed” blood drive.
Donors have a chance to win tickets to the August 23rd Sharpie 500 Night Race at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
“Summer of Speed” Emergency Blood Drive Johnston Memorial Hospital Blood Bank 11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Barter Theater Stage II Main Street Abingdon, VA