An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types — especially type O — to give now and help save lives.
The Red Cross escalated its call for blood and platelet donors after a difficult Independence Day week for donations.
Upcoming drives include:
• Kersey, 2 to 6:30 p.m. today, Fox Township Senior Center, 365 Main St.
• Ridgway, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Ridgway Central Hose Co., 30 N. Broad St.
• St. Marys, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.
• Weedville, 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Weedville Wesleyan Church, 18945 Bennetts Valley Highway
• Bradford, 1 to 6 p.m. July 17, First Presbyterian Church, 54 E. Corydon St.
• Port Allegany, noon to 5 p.m. July 27, Port Allegany Alliance Church, 414 E. Mill St.
• Smethport, noon to 6 p.m. July 23, Smethport Fire Hall, 109 S. Nelson St.
• Coudersport, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. July 19, Coudersport Consistory, 111 E. 2nd St.
• Ulysses, 3 to 8 p.m. July 20, Tri Town Fire and Ambulance, 836 Route 49
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
More than 550 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups last week than during a typical week as individuals across the country celebrated the holiday and enjoyed summer activities. This could equate to as many as 15,000 fewer donations than needed, causing donations to now be distributed to hospitals faster than they come in.
This need is especially critical for type O blood donors. Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations. Type O positive is the most common blood type and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
