www.thepapersonline.com
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Serving Kosciusko County and parts of Elkhart, Marshall & Noble Counties Know Your Neighbor . . 2➤ Speak Out . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Good Neighbors . . . . . . . 4
Vol. 52, No. 8
Milford (574) 658-4111 • Warsaw (574) 269-2932 • Syracuse (574) 457-3666
114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
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7H[W DQG 3KRWRV %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU Every day 29,000 units of red blood cells, 5,000 units of platelets and 6,500 units of plasma are needed by patients across the country. Donated blood products are needed by those b ttli cancer and d sickle i kl cell ll disdi battling ease as well as individuals injured in traumatic events. Across the country, someone receives a unit of blood every two seconds. According to the American Red Cross, the nation is dealing with a blood shortage with a 20% decrease in blood supply. Hyacinth Ruker, regional communications manager for the Red Cross-Indiana Region, explained blood donations tend to drop in the summer; however, the country coming out of the pandemic and people starting to travel have also contributed to the shortage. “Since COVID and because there’s such a need for blood, we’ve been doing three drives a month at the pavilion,” said Mike Cox, blood program leader for Center Lake Pavilion. Before the pandemic, the Red Cross would hold a daylong — usually 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — blood drive so those working any shift could stop by and donate blood. Prior to the Aug. 9 blood drive
i in Warsaw, 2 211 blood d drives had b been held w with 17,138 d donors and 1 16,917 units collected. C Cox noted tthe differb t d ence between donors and units collected was due to some donors being deferred for various reasons. Cox said many donors have been &+(&.,1* 7+( 9(,1 ³ 5DTXHO 'HDWRQ ULJKW VLWV TXLHWO\ DV 5D\ 5DVV reluctant to come back due to COVID. “The Red Cross has taken EDOH D SKOHERWRP\ WHFK ZLWK WKH $PHULFDQ 5HG &URVV FKHFNV WKH YHLQ LQ KHU lots of precautions due to COVID, DUP SULRU WR KHU EORRG GRQDWLRQ 3KRWR E\ /DXUHQ =HXJQHU but some are still afraid,” he said. The most needed blood types are members doing blood runs. “I’ve tual donation, but the Red Cross’s O, which is universal, meaning it picked up blood at Columbia City Rapid Pass system allows donors can be safely transfused into any- and taken it to Plymouth. Though to do most of it online prior to their one. A negative and B negative are it’s contained and refrigerated, it donation appointment. Donating red blood cells takes rare blood types that are also in is perishable, so it’s a high speed (ride),” he said. about 45 minutes to an hour. Dohigh demand. Only 3% of those eligible to do- nating platelets takes about 2 to “Unfortunately if you look at the people who need blood, they fall nate blood products actually do. 2 1/2 hours. The closest Red Cross into those categories,” Cox said, While there are some reasons po- locations for platelet donation are noting the supply of A negative tential donors can’t, such as tak- Goshen and Fort Wayne. Other barriers are people thinkand B negative blood is constantly ing certain medications for chronic conditions, low iron and travel de- ing the procedure is painful or low and in demand. having a fear of needles. “I think Red blood cells can be stored for ferrals, most people can donate. In most states, donors need to most people don’t think about do42 days, platelets for five days and plasma can be stored for a year be 17 or older and weigh at least nating,” Cox said. “Each donation if it’s frozen. Cox said blood sup- 110 pounds. Cox said he believes can save three lives depending plies tend to stay local. However, more people don’t donate because on what they take/separate blood in some cases, blood products have they think the procedure may take products. I encourage people to been transported by air. Cox, a a long time. Donors do have to do give an hour.” retired Warsaw Police Officer, re- some paperwork prior to the ac- Continued on page 4