According to the American Red Cross, blood donations decline in the summer due to vacations, holidays and everyone’s busy lifestyle in the warm months.
The blood shortages in the summer are also caused by the absence of high school blood drives and fewer students at college blood drives.
That’s why it’s important to remember to give blood whenever possible.
The Knights of Columbus have scheduled a blood drive at St. Matthew Church’s Harkins Hall in Tyrone on Wednesday, August 3, from noon to 6 p.m.
Another option is that individuals can make an appointment to give blood at the Red Cross Donor Center in Altoona, located at 317 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Those interested in helping out in other ways can contact the American Red Cross, Centre Communities Chapter, which is expanding its volunteer pool. Greeters, canteen service, walkers and supply drivers are needed for State College, Bellefonte, Philipsburg and outlying areas in Centre County.
Those interested in volunteering should contact Theresa Nelson, Blood Services Coordinator at the chapter office at 814-237-3162.
The Greater Alleghenies Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services strongly urges anyone who is eligible to give blood to call 1-800-Give-Life as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to donate or visit www.redcrosslife.org or www.givelife.org for a schedule of upcoming area blood drives.
Giving blood takes very little time. Although 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 105 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.
