Oregon Red Cross in Urgent Need of Blood And Platelet Donors

Salem-Keizer blood drives for the coming weeks are listed at the end of this story.

The Red Cross is in desprite need of blood donations at this time, please give if you can.

(PORTLAND) - The fallout continues from the recent winter storm that made it’s way over Oregon this past week.

The American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter expects the recent storms and lack of blood donations to result in further shortages in the blood supply.

Currently, five blood types are at a half-day supply or lower, including types O-, O+, A-, B- and AB-. A minimum three-day supply is adequate for the region.

In addition to icy, cold weather that has kept many donors from their appointments, colds and flu, and busy schedules after the return from the holidays are also driving down the blood collection rates.

“At this point, we are still able to meet all patient needs for blood, however our ability to do so is becoming increasingly difficult,” said Eric Brown, CEO of Red Cross Blood Services for the Pacific Northwest.

“We are urging all eligible donors to do their part to support the community blood supply by calling to schedule a donation appointment this week to help overcome the loss of collections due to the inclement weather,” Brown added. To donate blood, individuals must meet minimum age requirements (16-year-olds in Oregon need parental consent, 16-and 17-year-olds in Washington need parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be generally healthy. They can donate whole blood every eight weeks and platelets every three days.

Interested donors can schedule an appointment by calling (800) GIVE LIFE, or by going online to Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services, where they can also find schedule of convenient donation locations.

Salem-Keizer Blood Drives For The Coming Weeks: (Note dates and times are subject to change)

Tuesday, January 23rd, First Presbyterian Church, 770 Chemeketa St NE, 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

For more information call (503) 585-5416.

Tuesday, January 23rd, 475 Cottage St, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Tuesday, January 23rd, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Keizer, 1375 Lockhaven Drive N 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 390-2095.

Wednesday, January 24th, 475 Cottage St, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Wednesday, January 24th, Lancaster Mall, 831 Lancaster Dr NE, 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

For more information call (503) 585-5416.

Thursday, January 25th, 475 Cottage St, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Thursday, January 25th, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints West Salem Ward, 1830 Brush College Rd NW, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 391-6824.

Tuesday, January 30th, Oregon State Department of Transportation, 355 Capitol St NE, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. \

For more information call (503) 585-5416.

Tuesday, January 30th, 475 Cottage St, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Wednesday, January 31st, 475 Cottage St, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Thursday, February 1st, 475 Cottage St, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Saturday, February 3rd, 475 Cottage St, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Monday, February 5th, Christ Lutheran Church, 4440 State St, 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

For more information call (503) 585-5416.

Tuesday, February 6th, Salem-Keizer Transit, 555 Court St. NE, 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 588-2424.

Tuesday, February 6th, 475 Cottage St, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Wednesday, February 7th, 475 Cottage St, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 779-1261.

Wednesday, February 7th, West Coast Bank, 550 Center St NE, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

For more information call (503) 315-2839.

Thursday, February 8th, 475 Cottage St, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information call (503) 779-1261.