Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Needed: Blood donors

As of Friday morning, hospitals in the region had access to only 48 units of type O blood and the AB negative supply had been completely diminished.

That word was from Patricia Cunningham, donor recruiter for the United Blood Supply for the southwest Arkansas area.

Cunninghams report indicated that there were 45 units of O Positive blood on hand and only three units of O Negative. She said donations have not kept pace with demand recently and said there are several probable causes.

Arguably, one of the biggest problems is that people have a problem with the stick of the donation.

Weve had some who had a bad experience and the just dont come back, Cunningham said.

She said the answer is to ask for a supervisor. She said there are methods the nurses can make the process less painful for those who have difficultly donating. She said that if the nurses determine that the stick is going to be extremely problematic, they simply allow the donor to leave.

There are a number of baby boomers hitting an age at which they need medical treatments that require blood.

Another problem is that many people think they arent eligible to donate.

Sixty percent of the population are eligible to donate, Cunningham said. Only five percent do.

Cunningham said a person must be well and healthy, and that blood will be tested for iron levels and certain diseases. Potential donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and will be asked a series of questions to determine if they are eligible.

Cunningham said one of the most prevalent myths about blood donation regards medications - especially those for blood pressure and diabetes. She said otherwise healthy adults arent excluded just because they are taking those or other medications.

Blood donations are accepted for single use. That means blood is processed for use by hospitals and emergency situations and are never used for anything else. Blood donors are not paid, but a single unit of blood - processed into three separate, vital products - can save three lives. Blood typically becomes red cells, plasma and cryo, which is used for hemophiliacs.

Cunningham said members of her own family have required blood donations, and she said that makes the picture clear regarding the need. In the case of her son - born weighing only 2 pounds - the value of the units of blood that saved his life are incalculable.

Whats a blood donation worth?

Its whatever dollar value you want to put on your own life, she said.

Blood donation is anonymous.

You never know whos going to get your blood, Cunningham said. It might be a friend, family or a 2-pound baby somewhere.

Groups, organizations and communities can hold and support blood drives as a way to boost blood supply. For information, contact Cunningham at 903-794-8711.

Someone is waiting everyday to receive blood, Cunningham said.