On this last day of OSU's Summer Blood Drive, the American Red Cross needs donations more than ever to help curb a nation-wide critical blood shortage.
On July 5 of this year, the Red Cross issued a news release urging people all over the country to donate blood. Since Memorial Day, the donation rate has decreased, with donations dropping to a significantly low level during the July 4 weekend.
Oregon's blood supply has not yet hit this same critical low point, but donations are still needed to help avoid a shortage.
"Since Memorial Day weekend we have not been able to meet our daily goal of 1,000 units a day," said Tim Lippert, American Red Cross Territory representative for the Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services.
"Currently we have less than a one-day supply for five of the eight blood types," he said.
A three-day supply is the minimum desired level.
It is not uncommon in the summer for donations to decline as people are busy with vacations and holidays, said Dr. Jerry Squires, chief medical officer of the American Red Cross Biomedical Services.
The end of the regular school season also causes problems.
"During the school year, [high school and college] drives supply anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of the overall blood supply," explained Squires.
"When schools are closed and college campuses are practically deserted, those blood donations go away."
Other local blood drives are held at businesses such as CH2MHill and the First Alternative Co-op, and at churches and organizations such as the Kiwanis and Moose lodge. However, the OSU Civil War blood drive in November is the largest blood drive in the Northwest by far, Lippert said.
"I think that the students really enjoy being able to give unselfishly to help someone that they will never meet," Lippert said.
"Donating blood really does save lives and I think the student donors get that. Sure some do it for the free food, but I think they all feel good about donating after doing it."
Donating blood takes about one hour. Lippert encourages people to sign up for an appointment ahead of time at 1-800-GIVE LIFE, or online at www.givelife.com. Walk-ins are still welcome, but the wait may be longer.
Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be 16-years-old. Other eligibility requirements can be found at the givelife Web site.
Those donating need to drink plenty of fluids (not soda) and eat a healthy meal at least one hour prior to giving blood.
All staff who draw the blood are paid, experienced professionals. Volunteers are still needed, though, and Lippert encourages anyone interested to get involved. For more information contact Tim Lippert at lippertt@usa.redcross.org or by phone at 503-706-0779.
The OSU summer blood drive began Monday and will last from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. today.
Mobile units on the east side of the MU quad will house the drive, instead of the normal MU Ballroom location.
The American Red Cross, which has held blood drives at OSU for more than 40 years, hopes to reach its ideal of 100 units (equivalent to 230 donations) at this summer's drive.
"Our goal is to meet patient needs and fill the requests for blood products for the 80 plus hospitals we serve in the Northwest," Lippert said.
Mollie Holmes, staff writer
campus@dailybarometer.com, 737-2232