The need for blood donations is constant throughout the year despite the COVID-19 pandemic continuing. The Community Blood Bank is urging all donors to make an appointment before attending blood drives in order to adhere to social distancing and limit number of donors at the blood collection location.
A blood drive is scheduled for noon to 5:30 p.m. April 27 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 95 E. Corydon St., Bradford. Call Shari Jerman at 814-688-3696 to schedule an appointment to donate.
The CBB is going above and beyond precautionary measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all donors, staff and volunteers. Those precautionary measures include: all staff members are wearing masks, all personnel are having their temperatures taken at the blood collection location prior to entering the blood drive, organizers are taking extra sanitation measures in between every donor and the chairs and collection beds are spread further apart.
It is imperative that healthy individuals continue to donate to minimize disruptions to the blood supply and ensure blood is available for patients in need. 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.
Blood collection activities are not considered mass gatherings; rather they occur in a controlled environment with a healthy population.
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.
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. Participants 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 ounces of water.
For more information or to confirm eligibility, visit www.fourhearts.org or call (877) 842-0631.
