Red Cross Mobilizing Blood Supplies to Meet Disaster Needs

Written by Becky Orfinger, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

September 11, 2001 —  The American Red Cross Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region, located in Johnstown, Pa. — just 45 minutes from the area where a hijacked plane crashed — is mobilizing its blood inventory to support national Red Cross efforts in response to today's terrorist attacks. Although there were no survivors from that plane crash, injuries resulting from the attacks have already been reported. The Red Cross is standing by and ready to send over 50,000 units of blood wherever it is needed.

The Red Cross is ready to ship blood wherever it is needed.

"Our region has already shipped 140 units of red blood cells —108 O-positive and 32 O-negative — to the Red Cross Penn-Jersey Region (in Philadelphia), one of three Red Cross Blood Regions directly shipping blood products to the New York Blood Center," said Tom Angle, CEO of the Greater Alleghenies Regions. The New York Blood Center is the independent blood center that serves hospitals in the New York metropolitan area.

The American Red Cross national blood inventory system is structured so that blood collected at any of its regions can be shipped to where it is needed most. The National Inventory Management System (NIMS), known as "the Hub," is located in St. Louis, Mo., and is the centrally managed, computerized inventory of American Red Cross blood supplies. Its database is updated constantly to keep ahead of potential shortages in the blood supply-either on the national level or in one of the 36 American Red Cross Blood Services Regions. During a national disaster such as this one, the Hub will be in close contact with hospitals, emergency management personnel and blood centers in each of the affected areas.

Angle said his blood center has already received "numerous calls from the public wanting to give blood in response to today's disaster." The New York Times also reported long lines of would-be blood donors at New York City hospitals. Red Cross officials anticipate that Type O blood, the "universal" blood donor type, will be needed most in affected areas.

"Area hospitals, particularly trauma centers, can't function without Type O blood, particularly Type O-negative blood, which can safely be transfused to all blood types," said Angle. The nation's blood inventory was already compromised before this disaster struck, underscoring the need for blood donations in days to come. Many Red Cross regions plan to open temporary auxiliary donation sites if the need arises.

"Areas affected will need blood supplies not only today, but in the coming days and weeks," said Angle. "At least every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. Please donate at scheduled bloodmobiles, and stay tuned to your local media for announcements concerning additional bloodmobiles scheduled in response to this crisis."

Although the Red Cross has not called for emergency blood donations, donors who have scheduled appointments are encouraged to keep their appointments. Others interested in donating should call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or their local blood bank, to schedule an appointment.