JOHNSTOWN – Hot and muggy weather is affecting blood collections within the American Red Cross Blood Services Greater Alleghenies Region and officials are concerned low donor turnout will impact already low blood supplies.
Less than expected collections over the Fourth of July holiday and blood drives cancelled because of flooding have decreased the amount of blood and blood products available for patient care, said GAR Chief Executive Officer Jim Starr.
Currently, the Johnstown center, which serves a 100-county area has a less than one-day supply of types O negative, A negative and B negative blood and less than a two-day supply of types O and B positive.
Donors with type O or B are especially asked to give blood this week, he noted.
GAR officials estimate it will take several weeks of strong collections to rebuild inventories to desired levels.
Area blood drives include:
Tuesday – Penn State DuBois, Hiller Building, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday – Christ the King Church Parish Center, Houtzdale 1-7 p.m.
Quehanna Boot Camp, Karthaus, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday – 438 Front Place, Clearfield, noon to 6 p.m.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. For donor eligibility information, call 800-54-BLOOD.
Through Sept. 30, donors, successful or not, will receive a T-shirt and chance to win a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the Keep the Motor Runnin’ campaign.