JOHNSTOWN – As it continues to replenish low blood supplies at area hospitals, this area’s American Red Cross Blood Services region continues to urge area resident to donate blood at an upcoming Red Cross blood drive near them.
“Because our first priority during our current donor appeal has been to restore sufficient supplies at our nearly 100 hospital customers, our region’s reserves remain at low levels,” stated Jim Starr, CEO, Greater Alleghenies Region. “Our hospitals customers need a readily available supply 24/7 to meet the urgent and ongoing blood needs of their patients.
“As a result our region’s reserves remain well below desired five-day supply levels despite improved donor turnout. These reserves help ensure sufficient blood supplies in the event of extraordinary needs at the hospitals we serve.”
He said that as of Monday morning, inventories of type O negative stood at a 1 ½ day supply, and inventories of Type O positive and type A negative stood at a two-day supply.
The 100-county Greater Alleghenies Region announced its emergency appeal for blood donors on September 5.
“In order to replenish our blood supply we need sustained, strong donor turnout in the coming days and weeks,” Starr commented.
Upcoming local blood drives include:
Tuesday
Altoona: Noon to 6 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Fallentimber: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Assembly of God Church, 874 Executive Drive
Johnstown: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Galleria Mall, 500 Galleria Drive
State College: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Red Cross, 135 South Pugh St.
State College: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 850 Stratford Drive
Tyrone: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 102 W. 13th St.
University Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penn State Hetzel Union Building, Pollock Road
West Decatur: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Calvary United Methodist Church, 178 Blue Ball Road
Wednesday
Greensburg: Noon to 6 p.m., Westmoreland County Chapter, American Red Cross, 101 N. Main St.
Luthersburg: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Brady Township Community Center, 71 Community Center St.
University Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penn State Hetzel Union Building, Pollock Road
Thursday
Grove City: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., East Main Presbyterian Church, 120 E. Main Street.
Johnstown, PA: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Services, John P. Murtha Donor Center, 250 Jari Drive
Pine Grove Mills: 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 277 West Pine Grove Road.
State College, PA: 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Bank of America, 2568 Park Centre Blvd.
University Park: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penn State University, Wagner Building.
Friday
Altoona, PA: Noon to 6 p.m., Jaffa Shrine, Broad Avenue and 22nd Street.
Beaver: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Phil Vogel Red Cross Donor Center, 133 Friendship Circle.
Clearfield: Noon to 6 p.m., Red Cross Donor Center, 440 Front Place.
Indiana: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 2510 Warren Road
Johnstown: Noon to 6 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Services, John P. Murtha Donor Center, 250 Jari Drive.
Saturday
Altoona: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jaffa Mosque, Broad Ave. and 22nd Street.
Greensburg: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, Ashland Ave. Extension
Huntingdon: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 524 Mifflin Street
Indiana: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Indiana Mall, 2090 Rte. 286 South
Milesburg: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., American Legion Post 893 – Legion Hall, Route 144 North
Sunday
Greensburg: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 300 S. Main St.
He noted that those who present to donate are also automatically entered into the drawing for two tickets to the 2008 Daytona 500, including travel and hotel accommodations, and will also receive a long-sleeved racing T-shirt, while supplies last, all part of Greater Alleghenies Region’s current Join the Race to Save Lives Campaign.
Individuals age 1
7 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 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 call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543).”
The Greater Alleghenies Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, with more than five-dozen blood products and related services, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.