JOHNSTOWN – Last weekend’s winter storm and upcoming forecast have prompted American Red Cross Blood Services officials to continue to urge area residents to donate blood at the organization’s upcoming blood drives.
According to Jim Starr, regional CEO, as of Monday morning, the region had less than a day’s supply of type O negative blood, or just 47 units in reserve to support nearly 100 hospital customers. The 100-county blood region also has a less than a one-day supply of A negative, B negative, O positive and B positive in reserve.
“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 Starr. “Since Feb. 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.
“When a patient needs transfusions, the blood products – red blood cells, platelets and plasma – must be readily available. Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion, and it’s too late to recruit donors when the need arises,” Starr said.
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 the below list of 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).”
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.
Local residents and patients are among those served through American Red Cross Blood Services, Greater Alleghenies Region. This Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Altoona, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Spring Mills, PA: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Penns Valley High School, 4545 Penns Valley Rd.
State College, PA: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 135 S. Pugh St.
Warriors Mark, PA: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1840 Centre Line Rd.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Altoona, PA: 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Logan Valley Mall, Goods Lane & Plank Rd.
Houtzdale, PA: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Christ the King Parish Center, 123 Good St.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Allport, PA: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church,
369 Allport Cut-off
Altoona, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Jaffa Mosque, Broad Ave. & 22nd St.
Clarion, PA: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Clarion Area High School, 219 Liberty St.
Johnstown, PA: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., John P. Murtha Donor Center, 250 Jari Dr.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Bellefonte, PA: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., UAW Local 1282 (Union Hall), 477 Blanchard St.
Clearfield, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Red Cross Donor Center, 440 Front Place
Johnstown, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., John P. Murtha Donor Center, 250 Jari Dr.
Saturday, March 4, 2007
Curwensville, PA: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Curwensville Moose Family Center (Lodge 268), Bailor Dr.
Monday, March 6, 2007
Altoona, PA: Noon to 5 p.m., Penn State Altoona (Slep Student Center), 3000 Ivyside Park
Clarion, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Clarion American Legion, 530 E. Main St.
Indiana, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., First Brethren Church, 905 McKnight Rd.
Osceola Mills, PA: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Columbia Fire Company, 140 Curtin St.