Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
American Red Cross urges Franklin County residents to donate during National Blood Donor Month
Summary
Karen Washbush of the Columbus Red Cross briefed commissioners on low donation rates and local demand, urged eligible donors to give and promoted March —Sound the Alarm— smoke-alarm installation and April smoke-alarm events.
Karen Washbush, executive director of the Columbus chapter of the American Red Cross, told Franklin County commissioners that January is National Blood Donor Month and described ongoing challenges collecting blood during winter and amid remote work patterns.
Washbush said about 60% of the population is eligible to donate and that roughly 1% of that eligible group currently donates. She told the board that the region requires roughly 500 units of blood daily to supply nearby hospitals and emphasized the importance of diversifying the blood supply for patients with conditions such as sickle cell disease.
Washbush also outlined Red Cross community programs: Sound the Alarm (smoke-alarm installations) planned for March 29 in partnership with Columbus Division of Fire, and an April 5 installation event with the Clinton Township Fire Department. She encouraged county employees and residents to donate or promote donation through redcrossblood.org and the Red Cross app.
Commissioners discussed pairing blood drives with county biometric screening events to increase convenience; staff said HR and benefits will follow up on potential wellness incentives tied to donations.
