West Chester, Pa – Amid growing concern regarding a declining blood supply, state Senator Carolyn Comitta has partnered with the American Red Cross and the Oscar Lasko YMCA to hold a blood drive on Friday, April 22.
The blood drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oscar Lasko YMCA, 1 East Chestnut Street in West Chester.
Interested donors are encouraged to schedule their appointment in advance via the American Red Cross’s website and enter sponsor code “Senator Comitta” or call 1-800-RedCross. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.
“Blood donations are vital to maintaining a strong health care infrastructure. Donated blood is used in everything from major surgery to helping treat those with serious injuries or illnesses,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, said. “I encourage all healthy, eligible donors to consider giving blood. And if you cannot, please help spread the word. Every donation can help save lives.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for donated blood has risen even as the number of donors and opportunities to donate have declined. In 2021, the Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania noted that the demand for blood had increased as much as 25% since 2019. Since the pandemic began, there has been a 10 percent decline in the number of people donating blood, according to the Red Cross.
Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson expressed her growing concern over the dramatically decreasing number of volunteers who regularly donate blood.
“The critical shortage of blood across Pennsylvania and the nation is still a major concern as COVID-19 has prevented some donors from giving blood and impacted the scheduling of blood drives,” Dr. Johnson said. “Blood is essential for surgeries, traumatic injuries, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses, which is why it is so important for individuals to go to their local blood bank or find a blood drive near them and donate. An adequate supply of blood is essential to ensure Pennsylvanians have safe, continuous access to the highest quality of health care. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to consider giving blood.”
Approximately 36,000 units (a unit is equivalent to one pint) of red blood cells are needed every day in the United States. While blood donations are a critical and integral part of medical care, only about 3 percent of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. However, one donation can save up to three lives.
All blood types are needed to make sure there is a reliable supply for patients, but type O blood is most commonly requested and used by hospitals. Type O blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, which is why it is often used in emergencies when there is not enough time to determine a patient’s blood type. Because only 7 percent of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
Most individuals are eligible to donate blood in Pennsylvania if they are:
- In good health,
- 16 years old or older; and
- Weigh a minimum of 120 pounds.
For more information on donor eligibility or to register online, visit www.redcrossblood.org.