
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, December 16, 1993                   TAG: 9312160159
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

RED CROSS HOPES SNOW DOESN'T LIMIT DONATIONS

With the blood supply in Southwest Virginia already 600 pints below the optimal level, Wednesday's snow closed down blood drives in outlying areas and panicked the Appalachian Region of the American Red Cross.

"The holiday season takes its toll on the blood supply, because many of our regular donors don't have time to donate, and this weather hasn't helped the situation," said Steve Smith, director of community services.

So the Red Cross is encouraging the public to join corporations in giving blood at today's annual "Donorama" at the Roanoke Civic Center.

"We set aside hours, from noon until 5:30, for individuals, so their waiting time is minimal," Smith said.

He said the Donorama has been successfully adding to the holiday blood supply for about 15 years. "We've got businesses from all over the valley encouraging their employees to come donate - from Double Envelope to Kroger, as well as smaller companies like lawyer groups," Smith said.

Smith said more blood is needed now to cover the increased demand caused by holiday travel. "If one individual gets in a severe car accident, he may need eight to 10 pints of blood - and that means eight to 10 separate donors."

Smith encourages people who cannot donate today to come to the Red Cross office at 352 Church Ave. S.W. in Roanoke during regular donation center hours.

by CNB