UPDATE: Unfortunately, the Red Cross has been forced to postpone the Blood Drive scheduled for Noviembre 8 at the Oscar Lasko YMCA.
We are working to reschedule it and will keep you posted of a new date. In the meantime, we still encourage eligible donors to give blood. You can find donation opportunities in our area at www.redcrossblood.org
WEST CHESTER (Octubre 21, 2021) – In response to an ongoing blood shortage, state Senator Carolyn Comitta in partnership with the American Red Cross and the Oscar Lasko YMCA is hosting a blood drive on Lunes, Noviembre 8 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The blood drive will take place 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 “SenatorComitta” or call 1-800-RedCross. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.
“Blood donations are always needed, but since the onset of the pandemic there has been an even greater need,” said Senator Comitta. “Critical blood shortages are being felt across the state and nation. By donating blood, you can support an individual with a chronic illness, traumatic injury, or in need of life-saving surgery.”
According to the American Red Cross, which supplies 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, donor turnout recently reached the lowest levels of the year and the blood supply has dropped to the lowest it has been at this time of year since 2015.
While blood product distributions to hospitals remain strong, significantly outpacing blood donations in recent weeks, the Red Cross needs to collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to overcome the current shortage and meet the needs of patients in hospitals across the country.
“There is a critical shortage of blood across Pennsylvania and the nation, as COVID-19 has prevented some donors from giving blood and impacted the scheduling of blood drives,” Acting Physician General Dr. Denise 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.”
Approximately 36,000 units 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.
Many patients who have major surgeries will need a blood transfusion to replace blood lost during their procedure. Blood transfusions are also used for patients who have serious injuries from car crashes or natural disasters, and people with illnesses that cause anemia, like leukemia or kidney disease, will often receive blood transfusions.
The type of blood most commonly requested and used by hospitals is type O. 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.
The Red Cross has had less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks. The supply of type O blood, dropped to less than a half-day supply at times over the last month − well below the ideal five-day supply
However, all blood types are needed to ensure there is a reliable supply.
Fall is typically a time when the blood supply rebounds from summer shortages as more students return to school and college and more donors are available, Comitta noted.
“I encourage all healthy, eligible donors to consider giving blood,” she said. “If you cannot, please help spread the word. Every donation can help save lives.”
Eligible donors must meet the following criteria to donate, you must be in good health and feeling well, must be at least 16 years old or older, and you must weigh at least 110 lbs.
More information on donor eligibility or to register online, visit www.redcrossblood.org.