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During the winter, fewer people are willing to get out in the cold or drive on the icy roads.
Those conditions are the reason the American Red Cross sees fewer blood donations during this time of year, even though the need for blood is still the same.
"The weather has significantly impacted blood collections in the area," said Suzanne Stratton, ARC Fort Wayne Regional Blood Service public relations spokesman. "Some blood drives had to be canceled. People haven't been able to get in to give. We are 400 units off our collection goal for the start of the year.
"We are encouraging all individuals who are eligible to donate to do so," she said.
To be eligible to give blood, a person must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Persons older than 65 and in good health may usually donate with the approval of the blood bank physician.
Regardless of weather conditions, ARC continues to work to collect blood.
"Blood is needed whether it's snowing or not," Stratton said. "We will continue to operate even with inclement weather."
"The need doesn't necessarily increase in the winter, but because of the weather, we have a lower donor turnout," she said.
Stratton said they did not want anyone to get hurt trying to get out and donate. People should use their best judgment.
"We are not in an emergency situation, no elective surgeries have had to be canceled," she said. "We're trying to get the message out to the public so we don't get to that point."
She said, "All blood types are needed, but particularly O positive and O negative."
O positive and negative can be used on almost anyone and are the most common blood types.
Stratton said there is no risk of getting a disease when donating blood.
"The equipment that we use is sterilized and only used once. There is absolutely no risk in donating blood," she said.
Weeks and weeks of training are given to people who take blood so that donors are comfortable and safe in the process.
The next bloodmobile drive for Kosciusko County will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at National City Bank. A drive will be held Jan. 27 at Wawasee High School for teachers and students. The bloodmobile returns to Center Lake Pavilion from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9, said Rebecca Notestine, executive director of the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Before any donation, Stratton said, a person should eat a good meal. They should be feeling good, too.
Donations can be made as often as every 56 days. Some people may not donate at all because they think they are not eligible to give blood, she said. People should call the ARC's toll-free number to find out if they are eligible.
For more information, contact the local chapter at 267-5244 or the Fort Wayne Area Blood Region office at 800-GIVE-LIFE. Their national website is at http://www.redcross.org.
