FLU BUG HURTING BLOOD SUPPLY DONATIONS DOWN SHARPLY IN L.A.Byline: Daily News The flu outbreak has caused a severe drop-off in blood donations in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. and throughout the state, which could lead to a statewide health crisis if the decline continues, the American Red Cross American Red Cross: see Red Cross. warned Tuesday. Blood donations are 25 percent below normal levels in Los Angeles while Northern California Northern California, sometimes referred to as NorCal, is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The region contains the San Francisco Bay Area, the state capital, Sacramento; as well as the substantial natural beauty of the redwood forests, the northern and San Diego San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. , Riverside and San Bernardino San Bernardino, city, United States San Bernardino (săn bûr'nədē`nō), city (1990 pop. 164,164), seat of San Bernardino co., S Calif., at the foot of the San Bernardino Mts.; inc. 1854. counties have also experienced severe shortages, the Red Cross said in a statement. ``Blood collections typically fall during this time of year. But the flu has dampened regular donations, and our core blood donors are dropping left and right,'' said Cliff Numark, donor recruitment director of the American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, Region. The Red Cross said the flu's nationwide presence was also affecting the blood supply in Southern California because close to 40 percent of blood used in area hospitals comes from out of state. Even though 60 percent of Los Angeles area residents are able to donate blood, fewer than 3 percent do, the lowest donor rate for any metropolitan area of the country, Red Cross spokeswoman Julie Juliusson said. ``If the holiday season really tanks out, and if we do poorly in our scheduled collections then there could be a statewide emergency. It's not just the Red Cross, but smaller independent centers are experiencing the same problems,'' Juliusson said. Eligible donors are encouraged to call (800) GIVE LIFE to make an appointment to give blood. Donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. |
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