OhioHealth Doctors Hospital Responds To Need For Blood Donations

There are times throughout the year where the local blood supply takes a dip. At those times, The American Red Cross turns to the public, businesses and organizations for help.  At OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, the team there has regular visits from the Red Cross. In August, at a time where the need was critical, leadership at the hospital worked together to donate in a big way.

"I sent out the email blast, and my email lit up with people that wanted to give," Meagan Crouch of Doctors Hospital said. "I want this to put us back on the map as a group that responds when there is a need, not just for our patients in the hospital when they are getting blood transfusions, but throughout the year."

Tragedies like the shootings in Dayton really put a strain on local blood supplies. It's during those times, along with regular giving opportunities throughout the year that can make a difference, and save lives.

"It's those times when I hope that people, in their hearts find it in themselves to give," Crouch said.

In August, on just a single visit, the leadership team at OhioHealth donated more than 30 units of blood, exceeding their goal.

Have you ever wondered just how much of a need there is for blood in the United States.

• Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
• Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
• Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
• According to the American Cancer Society, about 1.7 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

To find a blood drive near you, just go to RedCross.org