National blood shortage reaches a 20-year low

Posted on January 30, 2024 by JW Dennison
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The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.   

According to the American Red Cross, blood donations have experienced a 40 percent decline over the last two decades. Between Christmas and New Years, they experienced a 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations. 

“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with Type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”   

Shortages of blood products are starting to affect hospitals as the American Red Cross has started limit distributions of type O blood products to hospitals.  Type O being known as the universal blood type and the most transferred.  

A blood drive took place in New Concord on Jan. 25 at John Glenn High School. Another blood drive takes place in Zanesville at Trinity United Presbyterian Church on Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The NFL has partnered with the American Red Cross for January which is National Blood Donor Month. Those who give blood are automatically entered for a chance to win tickets to Super Bowl LVIII. 

“It’s extremely convenient. It takes about an hour of your time… When you arrive, we have wonderful blood donor ambassadors who will greet you when you get there,” Marita Salkowski, Regional Communications Director for Central & Southern Ohio. “If you consider that an hour of your time can help save lives, there’s no better use of an hour of your day.” 

Those who are interested in donating blood are encouraged to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

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Music department announces spring performances

Posted on January 22, 2024 by JW Dennison
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Muskingum University’s Department of Music has announced the spring concert line-up with 12 events scheduled. All the concerts listed will take place in Brown Chapel on Muskingum University’s campus.

The spring semester will feature a combination of ensemble performances by the Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, The Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra (SEOSO), and senior recitals and faculty recitals.

“We have a wide range of large ensemble concerts as well as some concerts for smaller groups and this semester we do have maybe a few more faculty recitals which is great to feature,” said David Turrill, associate professor of music and director of bands at Muskingum University.

The season starts with the Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds on Feb. 11. The program is called “Love and Gershwin,” which celebrates Valentine’s Day and the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”

SEOSO has performances set for March 17 and on April 21. SEOSO is a non-profit regional orchestra in partnership with Muskingum University and includes Muskingum’s students and alumni.

“It’s really great to have a regional orchestra like that, of that quality, right here, right in our backyard, you know, right in our campus,” said Turrill.

Senior recitals include Jacob Plummer with a bassoon recital on April 6 and Hannah Jordan with a vocal performance on April 12.

“…she’s [Jordan] a fantastic vocalist and has sung the National Anthem a lot at our football games,” said Turrill. “…his [Plummer’s] recital will be his pieces as well as pieces by other composers. So, it’s kind of neat and shows creativity and shows different modes of his being a student.”

The final performance of the year includes the Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds and the Youth Wind Ensemble.

The Muskingum Valley Youth Wind Ensemble has 75 high school wind players and percussionists who were interested in more performance opportunities. This is the ensemble’s first year in existence, and they held their first practice on Jan. 7.

“It was a good rehearsal. They seemed really excited. We read through all the music that we’re going to do,” said Turrill. “The feedback I heard from the students in the ensemble was great so we’re pretty excited about it.”

More information can be found on the music department’s Facebook page and on Instagram. Monthly newsletters are also available by emailing music@muskingum.edu or at Muskingum.edu.

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