Tag: health

Blood drive today at Cabela’s

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Cabela’s, 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, Kansas.

As the nation experiences a new surge in COVID-19 cases, the Red Cross has become increasingly concerned about the nation’s blood supply, including convalescent plasma, according to a spokesman.

The Red Cross has distributed a record number of COVID-19 plasma products to hospitals this fall treating patients who are battling COVID-19, the spokesman stated.

As a thank-you for helping meet the need for blood donations from Nov.15 through Dec. 15, Suburban Propane is offering blood, platelet and plasma donors a chance to win an Outdoor Living Experience, powered by Propane, to enable a winner to enjoy socially distanced celebrations with family and friends this holiday season. The prize includes a propane-powered pizza oven, fire pit, outdoor heater and stipend towards propane.

Eligible individuals are urged to make an appointment to donate blood now to help patients in need. Find a donation opportunity using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies which helps provide insight to donors concerning possible prior exposure to this virus. Donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within one to two weeks through our Red Cross Blood Donor App or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. As part of this effort, plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma. Each week, whole blood donors with COVID-19 antibodies are helping to contribute between 350-500 units of potentially lifesaving convalescent plasma for patients in need.

The Red Cross is not administering diagnostic tests intended to diagnose illness. As such, to protect the health and safety of staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation, according to the spokesman.

For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Flu shots offered at Mercy and Truth Clinic

Mercy and Truth Clinic at 721 N. 31st, Kansas City, Kansas, is offering free flu shots and medical visits from October through Dec. 30.

Those who are interested in getting a free flu shot and medical visit are asked to call in advance to 913-621-0074 and make an appointment.

Currently, the need is great and they are booked up for two weeks, according to a spokesman. Appointments are being made for after that.

A patient wrote that “this is the place to go” for people who need a flu shot. Patients were treated with respect and there were Spanish-speaking translators available.

Several fireworks injuries reported on Fourth of July weekend

The University of Kansas Health System reported that most fireworks injuries they saw this past weekend were caused by mortars and sparkler. (Graphic from KU Health System)
Most fireworks injuries seen at the KU Health System this past Fourth of July weekend were to the hands. (Graphic from KU Health System)

The University of Kansas Health System reported 35 fireworks injury calls over the Fourth of July weekend.

Seven persons were admitted to the hospital. According to a spokesman, most of the patients did not require admission to the Burnett Burn Center at KU Health System, and are following up in the clinic.

There were 19 male patients and 16 female patients, according to the spokesman. The patients ages ranged from 2 years old to 55 years old.

The common locations of the injuries were the hands and face, and the common types of firework that caused injuries were mortars and sparklers.

The total number of patients may change as the week goes on and more patients visit the clinic. The total included transfer center calls referred to the clinic, emergency department visits and admission of all fireworks-related injured patients.