Karen Faria of Kingston waited calmly to give blood at a Red Cross blood drive at Palmer Gas Company in Atkinson on Friday. She said she heard on the radio there was a shortage — and the reports are true.
Southern New Hampshire is in urgent need of blood donations, according to Donna Morrissey, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross New England Region.Most area hospitals are on a one-day supply for blood, Morrissey said, but the preferred amount of blood is three- to five-days' worth. The Red Cross will regularly host drives in Southern New Hampshire to try to address the shortage. They are in need of all types of blood, Morrissey said, but those with Type O blood are most sought after because they are "universal donors" — their blood is generally compatible with any blood type.
Faria said she believes many people don't donate blood because they are scared, but she doesn't think there is a reason to be. She said she has donated blood every two or three months for several years.
"I thought it was something I could do to help people," she said. "But I hear a lot of people don't like to do it."
One way the Red Cross is trying to encourage people to give blood is through raffles and giveaways at their drives, Morrissey said. Those who register to give blood this summer can enter a raffle for a one-year lease on a Porsche, among other prizes.
Restaurant gift certificates and a raffle for Red Sox tickets were part of the reason that Jeff Mceachern of Hampstead and Trent Gelo of Derry, both 17, decided to give blood.
"I'm here because it's a good cause," Mceachern said while waiting to donate Friday. "And there's lots of free stuff, too."
The Red Cross typically sees fewer donations in the summer, Morrissey said, likely because people are taking vacations and other things are occupying their time.
Upcoming blood drives
r Wednesday, Fish and Game Club, 18 May Ray Ave., Plaistow, 2 to 7 p.m.
r Monday July 28, Londonderry High School, 295 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 2 to 7 p.m.
r Information on upcoming drives can also be found at the American Red Cross New England Region's Web site, www.Newenglandblood.org.
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Who can donate
r At least 17 years old.
r Weigh at least 110 pounds.
r Not have donated whole blood in the last eight weeks.
