Eligible blood donors of all blood types — especially type O — are urged to give blood through the American Red Cross now to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients this spring.
Several blood drives are scheduled locally, including one today in Bradford.
In order to meet the needs of patients, the Red Cross must collect about 13,000 blood and more than 2,500 platelet donations every day.
Make an appointment to help save lives now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 18-April 15:
• Emporium, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 11, Vets Club, 427 E. 3rd St.
• Johnsonburg, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12, Johnsonburg Senior Center, 430 Center St.
• St. Marys, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 10, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.
• Bradford, 1 to 5:30 p.m. today, Church of the Nazarene, 55 N. Bennett St.
• Eldred, 1 to 6 p.m. April 4, First Church of God, 142 Main St.
• Kane, noon to 6 p.m. April 1, First United Methodist Church, 112 Greeves St.
• Smethport, noon to 5:30 p.m. April 8, Smethport Fire Hall, 109 S. Nelson St.
• Coudersport, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 21, Coudersport Consistory, 111 E. 2nd St.
• Ulysses, 2 to 7 p.m. March 22, Zion Christian, 835 Route 49
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
