JOHNSTOWN – July 2007 is shaping up to be a real cliffhanger for the Greater Alleghenies Region, American Red Cross Blood Services — and area residents can play a starring role in a successful outcome.
They don’t have to rescue someone in distress or save a community from disaster.
All they have to do is donate blood.
“We’re on the verge of meeting our monthly collection commitment to our region’s hospitals to meet patient need,” noted Jim Starr, CEO, Greater Alleghenies Region. “However, inventories have been in short supply since before the Memorial Day weekend, so our inventory rebuilding process will continue for several weeks.”
He announced that three regional Red Cross donor centers will be open expanded hours Monday in hopes of meeting the region’s July collection target:
• Altoona: Noon to 6 p.m., Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard
• State College: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 135 South Pugh Street
• Winchester, Va.: Noon to 6 p.m., Red Cross Donor Center, Lucy L. Custer Building, 561 Fortress Drive
Individuals who present to donate at these three locations only on July 30 will receive a movie ticket pass, redeemable at any area theater, as well as the personal beverage cooler available at other regional donor sites during July and August.
“During the summer months, many regular donors take a break from giving blood while away on vacation or engaged in summer activities, resulting in low blood supplies,” Starr said. “The movie pass promotion we conducted for Fourth of July visits was extremely successful so we’re repeating it for these three sites taking on expanded hours.”
He explained that supplies of almost all blood types are currently below two-day levels, and that this morning supplies of three blood types – O positive, O negative and A negative – stood at just a one-day supply.
“Every two seconds, someone in our country needs a blood transfusion,” he said. “Donors of all blood types are needed daily.”
Individuals unable to donate at these three locations Monday are encouraged to give blood at one of these previously scheduled community blood drives featuring Join the Race to Save Lives personal beverage coolers for presenting donors:
Monday
• State College: noon to 6 p.m., State College Evangelical Free Church, 1243 Blue Course Drive
• University Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penn State Blue Band Building, Services Road
Tuesday
• Altoona: noon to 6 p.m., Red Cross Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Boulevard
• Duncansville: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Outlook Pointe, 170 Red Fox Drive
• State College: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 135 South Pugh Street
• University Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penn State Smeal College of Business, Business Building, Shortlidge Road.
Individuals age 17 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health can donate blood. Those with specific eligibility questions should contact the Nursing Collections office at call 800-542-5663. Most donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.
“Donation appointments may be scheduled at many Red Cross blood drives,” he added. “To schedule your blood donation appointment where available visit www.redcrosslife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543).”