BLOOD SHORTAGE TURNS CRITICAL

CANCELLED DRIVES & FEWER DONORS DUE TO WEATHER ARE MAJOR FACTORS

ERIE, PA – The Community Blood Bank has seen the blood supply drop to critical levels in the past 24 hours and the new storm forecast could spell real problems for area hospitals that are already concerned about dwindling supplies. Last week between 250 and 300 donations were lost due to cancelled blood drives. Those days simply cannot be made up as schedules are full months in advance. Only additional donors can pull the region out of this shortage.

People with Type O & Type A blood are especially encouraged to come give blood.

The Community Blood Bank is holding a promotion called “Give from the Heart” this week sponsored by 1201 Kitchen, Play N Trade and Erie Health SPA. 1 lucky donor this week will win a gift basket valued at $350.

“I’ve never seen a winter like this one,” Said Dan Desrochers at the blood bank. “We just can’t seem to catch a break. We haven’t had a shortage in February in a long time, let alone a critical one.”

The Community Blood Bank of NW PA & WNY is licensed by the FDA and holds permits from the New York Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Health and has been saving lives since 1966. It is accredited by the AABB and CLIA and is a member of America’s Blood Centers.

In Erie at 2646 Peach Street open Mon, -Fri 8 a.m.—5p.m.; And Sat 9a.m.-12:30p.m.

Blood Shortage Worsens (nationwide shortage affects supply locally)

ERIE, PA –The blood shortage that developed in the region worsened with continued heavier than normal usage and lighter than anticipated donor turnout the two contributing factors.  Much of the nation is experiencing the same problem so the blood bank won’t be able to borrow blood in the event the situation becomes critical. Local donors are needed to end this shortage.  

 In the past the Community Blood Bank has been able to buy blood from other blood banks to help end shortages. The Community Blood Bank has also sold blood to other blood banks in the same predicament. 

 “Looks like we will really be struggling,” Says Dan Desrochers Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. “And with this being a nationwide shortage we are on our own.”

 The Community Blood Bank is located at 26^th and Peach and is open Monday -Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm. No appointment is needed to save a life.

TYPE O FALLS BACK TO CRITICALLY LOW LEVELS

ERIE, PA – The local supply of Type O blood, which represents 46% of all blood transfused, was at seriously low levels after the Labor Day Weekend shortage has now dropped backed down to critically low levels amid very heavy usage by local patients. Everyone is once again encouraged to give blood to help out.

The Community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is located at 26^th and Peach Street in Erie and is open Monday through Friday 8a.m. to 6p.m. and Saturday 9a.m. to 12:30p.m. No appointment is needed to save a life.

“Not again,” said Dan Desrochers, Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. “Just when we thought we had turned the corner, please help by giving blood.”

The Community Blood Bank is located at 26^th and Peach and is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm. No appointment is needed to save a life.

CRITICAL BLOOD SHORTAGE

ERIE, PA – Very heavy holiday weekend blood usage by local patients has caused the return of critically low levels. The current blood supply levels are very near the lowest of the entire year.  Type A is the lowest followed closely by type O blood. Donors of all types are urgently needed to help end it as local lives are literally at risk when the blood supply is this low.

 The Community Blood Bank is located at 26^th and Peach and is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm. Photo ID is required but no appointment is needed to save a life.

 “What a tough weekend!” Says Dan Desrochers Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. “We really need a few very busy days here to get us out of the danger zone.”

 All donors are strongly encouraged to donate at the Community Blood Bank, 2646 Peach Street.  Community Blood Bank is open from 8a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 9a.m.—12:30 p.m.  Photo ID required.

LOCAL BLOOD SUPPLY TANKS

Very heavy holiday weekend blood usage

 ERIE, PA – The local blood supply that had been at moderate-shortage levels before the holiday tanked this weekend. Very heavy holiday weekend blood usage by area hospitals is the culprit. Labor Day Weekend is traditionally one of the three worst weekends of the year for blood usage; and this year it looks like it will top the list. The blood bank being closed on Monday for the holiday is also a factor. Everyone who can is urged to give blood soon to save local lives.

The Community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is located at 26^th and Peach Street in Erie and will be open this week Tuesday through Friday 8a.m. to 6p.m. and Saturday 9a.m. to 12:30p.m. No appointment is needed to save a life.

“We knew it was going to be bad,” said Dan Desrochers, Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. “But this is worse than we expected. If you haven’t given blood recently we ask that you please take the time to save someone’s life.”

The Community Blood Bank is located at 26^th and Peach and is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm. No appointment is needed to save a life.