RED CROSS ASKS FOR BLOOD DONORS

The winter storm that hit Southeast Missouri froze the local blood supply, and the American Red Cross is in need of donations.

"We don't want anyone to think we are in a panic situation," said Shawnna Rhine, donor recruiter for the Red Cross. "But we don't want to get to that point."

Normally, the local blood bank keeps a two-day supply of blood. It currently has a single-day supply.

"We like to have 1,000 units on hand," Rhine said. "We are running about 500 to 700 units. Because of the weather a lot of drives have been canceled or postponed."

No drives were held Saturday across the region, causing the lower numbers.

December is traditionally a slow month for blood donations as people get busy with the holidays. Wintry weather added to the trouble.

"Anyone who is out and able to donate, we would appreciate their gift," Rhine said.

A series of blood drives are scheduled through the month, including one today, Friday and Monday.

"Most of the blood collected here comes back to our hospitals here," Rhine said. "It takes about three days for the testing to be complete, so three days after you give blood, you are helping save someone's life."

In addition, the Red Cross has begun local platelet donations. The next platelet donation will be Jan. 27 at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center from 2 to 7 p.m.

Giving platelets takes about two hours and previously could only be done in St. Louis. Platelets are used when a patient is at risk of heavy bleeding and for some patients undergoing cancer treatments.

Upcoming blood drives

Today: Goody's Family Clothing, 308 Siemers Drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors will receive a T-shirt.

Friday: American Red Cross office, 2430 Myra Drive, 3 to 7 p.m.

Monday: Jackson American Legion, North High Street, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Southeast Missouri Hospital, 1701 Lacey, 7 to 10 a.m. and noon to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: Church of Christ, 310 N. Shawnee, Jackson, 4 to 8 p.m.

Jan. 15: St. Mark's Masonic Lodge, 2307 Broadway, 2 to 6 p.m.

Jan. 17: St. Vincent de Paul Church, 741 Forrest, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jan. 20: St. Francis Medical Center, 211 St. Francis Drive, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 21: West Park Mall, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jan. 22: West Park Mall, 3 to 8 p.m.

Jan. 23: West Park Mall, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 26: NationsBank, 2001 William, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jan. 27: Cape Girardeau Senior Center, 921 N. Clark, 2 to 7 p.m.