Lakes Region Mental Health Center to host blood drive for Red Cross

LACONIA — The American Red Cross declared a national emergency for blood shortage, on July 13. The blood supply fell almost 25% in June.

Lakes Region Mental Health Center, at 40 Beacon St. E., will hold a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Friday, July 31. So far, 25 slots have been filled to donate blood, and the center is hoping to fill 37 spots total.

Beth Vachon, chief development and public relations officer for Lakes Region Mental Health, said if the drive is successful, they will look into holding another event.

“We need to be able to meet the demand for blood products in case of emergencies,” Vachon said. “If levels run too low, we can end up in an emergency situation.”

Vachon said they planned the drive prior to the Red Cross announcement about the emergency shortage, and it was “really well timed.”

Vachon said “blood donors are urgently needed right now,” in order for patients in critical need to receive the medical care that could save their life.

Vachon noted the shortage comes during the peak of “trauma season,” referring to the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the summer, hospitals continuously see increased demand for blood, due to a variety of serious injuries and medical emergencies. At the same time, they also see a significant decline in the number of blood donors during the warmer months.

A sharp decline in blood donations since late May has only widened the gap between supply and patient need, leading the Red Cross to the emergency declaration.

Vachon said the Red Cross’ blood distributions to hospitals are almost 3,500 units higher each week than initially expected. Hospitals are requesting thousands more units each week, while blood supplies continue to decline.

The shortage is serious for all types, but especially O+ and B-, and AB plasma. People of all blood types are encouraged to donate.

Blood donors help people of all ages, including cancer, sickle cell anemia, trauma and burn patients, and those suffering from chronic disease.

A recent survey from the American Red Cross revealed only 1 in 5 respondents understood blood cannot be stored indefinitely. For example, red blood cells can only be refrigerated for up to 42 days, and frozen for 10 years. There is always a need for blood donors.

According to American Red Cross data, a patient in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion every two seconds.

There are additional blood drives happening throughout the Lakes Region this month, from Tanger Outlet, in Tilton, to Gunstock Mountain Resort, in Gilford. To schedule an appointment to give blood, visit redcrossblood.org/give.