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

DATE: THURSDAY, January 6, 1994                   TAG: 9401060167
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By TODD JACKSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

RESCUE SQUAD SPONSORING BLOODMOBILE

With the area facing its worst blood shortage in decades, the Salem Rescue Squad has decided to put a face on the problem.

The rescue squad sent out a press release Wednesday announcing: "BLOOD URGENTLY NEEDED."

One of those in need of blood is the mother of Ray Houff, the squad's assistant chief.

Martha Houff, 62, is in Lewis-Gale Hospital diagnosed with cancer and septicemia. She needs two units of blood, but cannot get them because blood is being distributed on an emergency basis to the most extreme cases, Ray Houff said.

To try to help remedy the problem, the rescue squad will sponsor a bloodmobile at Salem Presbyterian Church, 41 E. Main St., on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To give blood, a donor must be 17 or older and in good health.

"[The rescue squad] wanted to take a proactive stance," Houff said. "This isn't just about my mother. There's a lot of people out there who need blood." Blood can be designated in the name of someone who needs it, he said.

The Appalachian Regional Blood Services of the American Red Cross was 950 pints below optimum level at the start of the week, according to Bob Lutjen, director of donor resources.

Lutjen said recent media coverage of the shortage has helped, but blood donations must continue.

by CNB