It’s more important than ever that we come together to care for one another. As federal budget cuts strain health providers like Alameda Health System and safety-net services across the country, many organizations are facing difficult reductions in service and capacity. In moments like this, community support is not just meaningful, it is essential. One powerful way you can help is by giving blood.
Alameda Health System is holding a blood drive at Alameda Hospital on March 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Conference Room A. To sign up, go to redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code alameda.
Did you know that there is a severe blood shortage nationwide? The American Red Cross recently announced that the national blood supply dropped by approximately 35% last month, an alarming decline. Efforts to replenish supply were largely thwarted by severe winter weather across much of the country over the last few weeks. Weather disrupted blood drives and prevented thousands of donations from being collected.
Giving blood is easy and it saves lives. Patients who lose blood due to traumatic injuries often require massive, rapid transfusions of red blood cells and plasma to replace lost blood. Those undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy need platelet or red blood cell transfusions to recover strength. People with chronic conditions like sickle cell disease, anemia, or kidney failure often depend on regular blood transfusions to survive. And blood is often needed when treating moms and babies for complications during childbirth.
Type O blood donors (both O positive and O negative) are currently the most needed to combat severe shortages and meet high, consistent hospital demand.
Last year, Alameda Health System blood drives collected more than 225 units of blood from community donors and staff members. Those donations helped save up to 672 lives.
“Alameda Health System remains steadfast in its mission of caring, healing, teaching, and serving all, despite unprecedented budget cuts to the safety net,” said AHS CEO James Jackson. “Please join our mission by taking care of yourself, taking care of each other, and giving blood on March 27.”
In challenging times, small acts of compassion compound. Donating blood is one of the most direct ways to ensure that lifesaving care remains available to every member of our community who needs it.
Healthy Alameda is a healthcare column provided by Alameda Health System (AHS), the public safety-net health system that serves all in Alameda County. AHS operates five facilities in the City of Alameda, including Alameda Hospital, Creedon Advanced Wound Care Center, Park Bridge Rehabilitation and Wellness, South Shore Rehabilitation and Wellness, and Marina Wellness and Surgical Associates.
