By Staff
NILES -- The Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross declared a blood emergency at noon Sunday.
The Region, which provides blood products to patients in nearly 70 Michigan hospitals, had about a 36-hour overall supply of all blood, and critically low levels of several types -- including O-negative, the universal donor, and O-positive, which can be transfused to 80 percent of the population.
A three-day -- or 72-hour -- supply is considered a safe level.
The Region reports the following supply levels: Type 0-negative, half day or 12 hours; Type A-negative, half day or 12 hours; Type O-positive, one day or 24 hours; and Type B-negative, one day or 24 hours.
Because of the crisis, blood deliveries may be limited or postponed to Michigan hospitals. Some hospitals may also begin choosing to reschedule elective surgeries. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 13 S. Fourth St., Niles, on Friday, June 25, from noon to 5:45 p.m.
If you have not donated blood since April 29 and your age is 17 or older, weight at least 110 pounds and are in good general health, you are eligible to donate blood. Most medications are not a cause for deferral. Anyone who registers to donate blood will receive a "Holiday T-Shirt."