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,” stated Jim Starr, CEO. “Since February 5, we’ve lost two days’ 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 this morning 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 appointment already scheduled,” he noted.
Area residents may donate at these upcoming Red Cross blood drives. Starr added that presenting donors will also receive an embroidered fleece scarf, while supplies last.
“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 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543). 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 800-542-5663.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Altoona, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Frenchville, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Karthaus Fire Hall, Karthaus Rd.
Punxsutawney, PA: Noon to 6:00 p.m., SS. Cosmos and Damian Church, 615 Chestnut St.
Snow Shoe, PA: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Ambulance Building, 492 W. Sycamore Rd.
State College, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 850 Stratford Dr.
State College, PA: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 135 S. Pugh St.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Centre Hall, PA: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Old Fort American Legion, 2829 Penns Valley Pike
State College, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Super 8 Hotel, 1663 S. Atherton St.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Altoona, PA: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Electric Motor and Supply Company, 1000 50th St.
Clearfield, PA: 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., Clearfield County Career and Tech Center (Health Occupation Classroom), 1620 River Rd.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Milesburg, PA: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Legion Hall, Route 144 N.
Saint Clairsville, OH: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ohio Valley Mall, Mall Rd.
Winchester, VA: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Apple Blossom Mall, Apple Blossom Dr.
