Winter weather – bitter cold, snow and ice – continue to disrupt American Red Cross Blood Services’ community blood drives and platelet donor centers, preventing the 100-county blood region from replenishing critically low blood supplies.
“During the last two weeks, wintry weather has forced the cancellation of a couple dozen blood drives, representing nearly 1,200 potential blood donations, and lower than usual donor turnout at remaining drives and platelet donor centers,” said Jim Starr, CEO. “Since February 5, we’ve lost two day’s worth of collections due to cold, snow and ice.”
The blood region, which serves nearly 100 hospitals, has a collection goal of 1,000 units per weekday and a couple hundred each weekend.
Starr said that as of yesterday the region had less than a day’s supply of type O negative; only 46 units in reserve to support nearly 100 hospital customers. He added that with supplies of remaining blood types below a two-day supply, donors of all blood types are needed.
He explained that the weather has also strained the region’s supply of platelets, a product often needed by patients with cancer, leukemia and other serious illnesses.
“We’re also calling upon those who give platelets at our donor centers in Altoona, Beaver, Greensburg, Johnstown and State College to make an appointment to donate and make every effort to keep appointments already scheduled,” he added.
Area residents may donate at these upcoming Red Cross blood drives:
• Thursday, February 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Link Computer Corporation, Stadium Drive, Bellwood;
• Wednesday, February 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bellwood Senior Center, One Main Street, Bellwood;
• Wednesday, March 7 from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Epworth Manor, multi-purpose chapel, 925 S. Lincoln Avenue, Tyrone;
• Thursday, March 15 from noon to 6 p.m. at Tyrone Hookies Firehall, 1216 Blair Avenue, Tyrone and
• Friday, March 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tyrone Hospital classroom, One Hospital Drive, Tyrone.
“Donation appointments may be scheduled at many of these sites,” he commented. “To schedule your blood donation appointment where available, or to find a blood drive near you, visit www.redcrosslife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. Someone’s waiting for the gift only you can give.”
Individuals age 17 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Those with specific eligibility questions should call 1-800-542-5663.
