DuBois, PA – As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread in the United States, the Community Blood Bank is working closely with national organizations, including AABB Interorganizational Task Force, Blood Centers of America (BCA), America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the CDC and the FDA to ensure the continued adequacy of the blood supply.
The Community Blood Bank is urging individuals to make and keep donation appointments, and continue as planned with scheduled mobile blood drives.
Please consider coming to one of the following blood drives:
- Friday, March 13, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Central Resource Center on the Penn Highlands DuBois Campus, 204 Hospital Avenue, DuBois.
- Wednesday, March 18, from 12-4 p.m., at the Elk County Courthouse Annex, 300 Center St. Ridgway.
- Thursday, March 19, from 1-5 p.m. in the Medical Arts Building parking lot at the Penn Highlands Clearfield campus, 807 Turnpike Avenue, DuBois.
- Thursday, April 2, from 1-5 p.m., at Penn Highlands Brookville, 100 Hospital Road, Brookville.
As the exclusive supplier to the local hospitals, it is imperative that healthy individuals continue to donate to minimize disruptions to the blood supply and ensure blood is available for patients. If the outbreak of coronavirus expands, additional challenges may arise, which could potentially reduce the number of eligible donors and disrupt collection events. Since it is the blood already on the shelves that saves lives, maintaining a sufficient blood supply is essential to ensure patients in need receive optimal treatment.
“Since blood and platelets have a limited shelf life, continued donations are important to maintain an adequate inventory for our local hospital patients needing transfusion,” said Jeffrey Richmond, MD, Community Blood Bank Medical Director.
As more cases of coronavirus have been reported in the U.S., the blood community has been increasing its preparedness appropriately. The Community Blood Bank, as well as its partner organizations, will continue to monitor the ongoing spread of coronavirus and will provide additional updates if blood needs change.
Community Blood Bank partners with hospitals in Northwest Pennsylvania and Western New York to provide blood for patients in need. Individuals are eligible to give blood if it has been 56 days since their last donation; they are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent); weigh at least 110 pounds; have not received a tattoo or body piercing in the past 12 months; are in good general health and do not have a cold or the flu. You must have a valid photo ID in order to donate. Prior to donating, those giving blood should eat a good, solid meal and drink at least 18 oz. of water. For more information or to find out if you are eligible please visit www.fourhearts.org or call (877) 842-0631.
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