Recent weeks of wintry weather in the 100-county area served by the Greater Alleghenies Region of American Red Cross Blood Services have forced numerous blood drive cancellations, prompting Red Cross officials to urge area residents to donate blood in coming days to replenish low supplies.
Last week alone, nine blood drives representing 340 potential blood donations were canceled for weather-related reasons.
“We’re working to get these sponsors, mainly schools, back on schedule, but we also need solid donor turnout in the short-term to help replenish our supply of O negative, A negative and B negative blood types,” said Jim Starr, CEO. “This week’s winter storm will likely result in additional cancellations, so we ask people who can get out and about to donate blood at the next local Red Cross blood drive.”
He said that as of Monday the 100-county region had a little under a one-day’s supply of Type O negative and Type A negative blood. Supplies of Type B negative stand at less than a two-day supply. However, donors of all blood types are needed daily.
“Every two seconds, someone in our country needs a blood transfusion, yet just five percent of those who can donate blood do so each year,” he stated. “When the need arises – a trauma victim, patient with leukemia, or some other urgent or chronic need – a sufficient blood supply must be readily available.”
He added, “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.”
The Red Cross has announced local blood drives for February and reminds area residents that giving blood is a safe process, is easy and takes very little time.
Blood drives scheduled include:
• Thursday, February 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Link Computer Corporation, Stadium Drive, Bellwood and
• Wednesday, February 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bellwood Senior Center, One Main Street, Bellwood.
Altoona Donation Center blood drives are every Tuesday of the month from noon to 6 p.m. February drive dates at the Altoona Donation Center at Kettle Street, Altoona include: February 20 and February 27.
Although giving blood takes very little time and about 60 percent of the people in America are eligible to donate blood, only five percent do.
Anyone at least 17-years-of-age, weighing 110 pounds or more and feeling in good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Individuals with donor eligibility questions should call the nursing collections office at 1-800-542-5663.
