Recent flooding impacts number of blood donors

When disasters strike, people forget how important blood donations are to local hospitals, said Sue Gulley, executive director of the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross. \n“When people’s attention is focused on a disaster, they may not think of donating blood ... as a result there is a critical blood shortage,” she said.\nThe Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross is short on blood because many volunteers who regularly donate have been coping with the aftermath of recent flooding.\nLoni White, Red Cross spokesperson, said the floods indicate that those individuals who regularly donate can no longer do so because they are occupied dealing with the aftermath of the recent devastation. Because of this, White estimates about 600 units of blood have been lost because of this shortage of people donating. \nIn order to encourage people to donate blood after the flooding, the American Red Cross held emergency blood drives throughout Indiana. \nWhite said she was “very surprised with the amount of response ... the Columbus blood drive gave us 200 units.” \nThe American Red Cross was able to accept blood donations from 50 percent of the eligible donors, White said. However, in the past year tighter federal restrictions have limited the number who are able to donate. Only 38 percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood, according to White. She said this adds to the critical need for people who can donate blood to go out and donate.\nIn an e-mail, senior Victor Kwan said he recognizes the need to donate blood and has done so twice before. \n“To be able to help another individual is the inspiration ... if my blood could be part of it saving them. I am awarded by that,” he said.