American Red Cross officials say the cold and flu season, along with the impact of Hurricane Matthew, has drastically decreased platelet donations. Chief Collections Executive, Central Region, Robert Roggeman says platelet donations are crucial to the Red Cross’ mission.
“Cancer patients rely on platelet donations. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation used to treat cancer can affect the bone marrow where platelets are produced, and platelet transfusions help to prevent life-threatening bleeding,” Roggeman explains. He also says trauma patients, those undergoing organ transplants and premature babies regularly need platelets. Platelets are the clotting portion of blood primarily given to cancer patients during treatment. They must be transfused within five days of donation, and they are always in great demand.