American Red Cross encourages blood donations during shortage

MEDINA — Medina County Health Department employees and members of the public donated blood during a community drive at the health department on Thursday to help the American Red Cross combat the blood shortage. Red Cross account manager Katherine Ezell said multiple planned blood drives were canceled because of the winter weather. The Red Cross typically experiences a decrease in donations due to the winter holidays, so the organization is working to replenish the blood supply. "We need to collect blood every single day, but right now we are in a severe blood emergency," she said. "It's to make sure that we keep our hospitals supplied." Donors can do whole blood donation or a power red donation, Ezell said. Donors have the chance to give nearly double the amount of red blood cells through Power Red, which heightens the impact of the donation. "In a regular blood donation, we collect the red blood cells, the platelets and the plasma," she said. "We'll use all three of those, and those typically will go to three different people, so that's why they say a pint of blood that will save three lives." Donors should make sure they eat a meal and are hydrated ahead of time, Ezell said. Once at the donation site, the Red Cross will test donors to make sure their iron levels are where they need to be. Those who are taking antibiotics or blood thinners should not donate. Ezell said she runs around 45 blood drives a month in Medina County. To view upcoming blood drives in the Medina County area or to learn more about donating, visit redcrossblood.org. "We really appreciate people coming out, especially in the city of Medina and all the cities that are surrounding," she said. "Making sure that our hospitals are supported and supplied is all we're really asking for." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.