ERIE — As the U.S. experiences a new surge in COVID-19 cases, the Red Cross is becoming increasingly concerned about the nation’s blood supply – including convalescent plasma. A convalescent plasma donation collects plasma from COVID-19 survivors because antibodies to the disease in their blood may help patients who are currently fighting the virus. Increased hospitalization of patients with coronavirus this fall and winter has caused the Red Cross to distribute a record number of COVID-19 plasma products to hospitals treating patients who are battling the virus.
As a thank-you for helping meet the need for blood donations from Nov.15 through Dec. 15, Suburban Propane is offering blood, platelet and plasma donors a chance to win an Outdoor Living Experience, powered by Propane, to enable a lucky winner to enjoy socially distanced celebrations with family and friends this holiday season. The prize includes a propane-powered pizza oven, fire pit, outdoor heater and stipend towards propane.
Eligible individuals are urged to make an appointment to donate blood now to help patients in need. Find a donation opportunity using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
In McKean County, a blood drive is set for Smethport, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Smethport Fire Hall. A second drive will be held there from noon to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7.
In Potter County, a drive is set for 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Coudersport Consistory, 111 East 2nd St.; and on Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Tri Town Fire and Ambulance Service in Ulysses.
A drive is set in Eldred for Dec. 3, from 1 to 5:30 p.m., at the First Church of God, 142 Main St.; and for Kane, Dec. 7, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 112 Greeves St.
Donation drives are set for St. Marys, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.; Emporium, Dec. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Vets Club at 427 E. 3rd St.; Johnsonburg, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Holy Rosary Church, 606 Penn St.
