Click here to subscribe today or Login.
WILKES-BARRE — Thousands of people have responded to the call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross earlier this month, but a critical summer blood shortage continues.
Eligible donors of all types are urgently needed, said Alana J. Mauger, external communications manager.
Mauger said as a special thanks, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross July 26 through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.
The Red Cross has experienced a 30 percent increase in blood donation appointments through mid-July, Mauger said. About half of the appointments were scheduled by donors using the free Blood Donor App or redcrossblood.org. However, despite this improvement, Mauger said blood products are still being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, so more donations are needed to meet patient needs.
“The blood supply is like a cell phone battery, it constantly needs recharging,” Mauger said. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives and we encourage those who haven’t to consider rolling up a sleeve and give the gift of life. It only takes about an hour, but can mean a lifetime for patients.”
Across the county, nearly 61,000 fewer blood donations than needed were given through the Red Cross in May and June, prompting the emergency call. The shortfall was the equivalent of the Red Cross not receiving any donations for more than four days.
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
There are also these upcoming opportunities to donate:
• Wilkes Barre Blood Donation Center, 29 New Commerce Blvd., Ashley
Mondays: 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: noon to 8 p.m.
Fridays: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Dallas
July 31, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dallas Baptist Church, 3 Briarcrest Road
• Kingston
Aug. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First Hospital, 562 Wyoming Ave.
Aug. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Temple B’nai B’rith, 408 Wyoming Ave.
• Harveys Lake
Aug. 10, noon to 5 p.m., Our Lady of Victory Church, 16 Second St.
• West Hazleton
Aug. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Hazleton Chapter House, 165 Susquehanna Blvd.
• West Pittston
Aug. 9, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., West Pittston Moose Lodge, 425 Exeter Ave.
• Wilkes-Barre
Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St.
