NORTH PLATTE, NEB – There’s no way to predict when or where an accident will happen. That’s why the American Red Cross needs donor to give blood during Trauma Awareness Month this May and throughout the year to help ensure that trauma centers are prepared the moment in injured patient arrives.
In December 2017, Jeff Gosliga was rushed to the hospital following a car accident. To treat his serious injuries, he needed 11 units of blood – about the amount of blood in an average adult’s body.
“I never had reason to think a lot about blood, where it came from or how it arrived at hospitals; my accident changed all of that,” said Gosliga. “It was touch-and-go for a while, and because the blood that I needed was available, I’m here today. I am so grateful to all of the volunteer blood donors who give of themselves so generously. I will never forget them or take blood donation for granted again.”
Donors of all blood types are urged to give now to help meet the needs of trauma patients and others with serious medical conditions. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
In thanks, all those who come to donate blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross May 1 through June 10, 2019, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
When every second matters
Major traumas can quickly deplete a hospital’s blood supply. By giving blood, platelets or plasma regularly, donors can help ensure that enough blood is on the shelves for patients when every second matters.
In trauma situations, when there’s no time to check a patient’s blood type, emergency personnel reach for type O negative red blood cells and type AB plasma because they can be transfused to patients of any blood type. Less than 7 percent of the population has type O negative blood, and only about 4 percent of the population has type AB blood.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 1-23
BROWN
- AINSWORTH 5/1/2019: 10 AM – 4 PM, Ainsworth United Methodist Church, 310 N Woodward st
CHERRY
- VALENTINE 5/1/2019: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM, St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 400 West 5th St
CUSTER
- ARNOLD 5/13/2019: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Community Center, 204 S Carroll St.
- BROKEN BOW
- 5/8/2019: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Elk’s Lodge, 825 S. 10th
- 5/14/2019: NOON – 6 PM, TEAM Physical Therapy, PC – Broken Bow, 325 S. 1st Ave.
- 5/22/2019: 1 PM – 6:15 PM, Municipal Building, 314 S. 10th
- CALLAWAY 5/3/2019: 9 AM – 3 PM, Community Center, 202 West Kimball
HOOKER
- MULLEN 5/13/2019: NOON – 6 PM, Hooker County Fairgrounds Community Building
SHERMAN
- LITCHFIELD 5/2/2019: NOON – 6 PM, Winters Building, 204 N. Main
- LOUP CITY 5/8/2019: 11 AM – 5 PM, Loup City Community Center, 803 O St.
VALLEY
- ORD
- 5/8/2019: 9 AM – 3 PM, Valley County Health System Foundation, 207 S. 26th St.
- 5/14/2019: 9 AM – 3 PM, Veteran’s Club, 246 S. 15th St.
WHEELER
- BARTLETT 5/22/2019: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Wheeler Central High School, 600 Randolph St.
