Critical blood shortage in Bethesda

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007

Critical blood shortage in Bethesda

by Audrey Dutton |

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The NIH blood bank is urgently seeking type O blood donors. Local and regional supplies of blood type O are dangerously low, according to the NIH. Type O blood is the only type that can be transfused to patients with other blood types.

The NIH uses 500 units of red blood cells each month to treat patients with cancer, leukemia, aplastic anemia, thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Blood is sometimes transferred to other medical treatment centers, and other area hospitals are affected by the shortage, the NIH said.

Donors, especially those with O type blood, are encouraged to visit the NIH blood bank 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The blood bank is located on the first floor of the NIH Clinical Center at NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike. Walk-ins are accepted, and free parking is offered to blood donors. To make an appointment, find out your eligibility status, or get more information about donating blood, call 301-496-1048.

Veterans Day celebration in downtown Bethesda

Local veterans and patriotic groups will honor the country’s servicemen and women Monday morning at Veteran’s Park in Bethesda.

The annual tribute runs from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday at the intersection of Woodmont and Norfolk avenues. It is sponsored by Bethesda Kiwanis.

An Iraq veteran will address attendees. Brass players from Bethesda-Chevy Chase will play music and ‘‘Taps” at the ceremony. A Montgomery County firefighter will sing the National Anthem.

Members of the American Legion Post 105 in Bethesda, Daughters of the American Revolution and local Rotary Clubs will participate. Local and federal politicians often attend the Veterans Day celebration.