Red Cross Facing Severe Blood Shortage; Donation Opportunities Scheduled in Centre County

The American Red Cross continues to face a severe blood shortage and is in urgent need of donors to help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with blood products over the Fourth of July weekend and into the summer.

According to a release from the organization, blood products have been in short supply nationwide as hospitals have been responding to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants.

There is also greater hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions.

“In addition, while summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel, leading to lower donor turnout,” the statement said. “The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break — patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions.”

The Red Cross is offering incentives to help boost blood donations. Those who give July 1-6 will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat, while supplies last. Donors who give July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email, plus a chance to win gas for a year.

Donors can schedule an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767.

All blood types, and especially type O and those giving platelets, are needed.

Appointments can be scheduled for the following donation opportunities in Centre County over the coming weeks:

Centre Hall

6/29/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Centre Hall Lions Club, 153 Church Street

7/13/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Old Fort American Legion, 2829 Penns Valley Pike

Milesburg

7/12/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Milesburg Community Center, 101 Mill Street (Route 144)

Philipsburg

7/13/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church Reed Hall, 121 South Front Street

Snow Shoe

6/29/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Snow Shoe Ambulance Building, 492 West Sycamore Road

State College

7/6/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Park Forest Baptist Church, 3030 Carnegie Dr.

7/7/2021: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Technology Support Building, Technology Support Building, 300 Science Park Rd.

7/8/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Days Inn, 240 S. Pugh St.

7/8/2021: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 620 East Hamilton Avenue

7/13/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Days Inn, 240 S. Pugh St.

7/14/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Days Inn, 240 S. Pugh St.

7/15/2021: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Days Inn, 240 S. Pugh St.

University Park

6/29/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Penn State University Technology Center, 200 Innovation Blvd.

6/30/2021: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Penn State University Technology Center, 200 Innovation Blvd.

7/6/2021: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Penn State University Technology Center, 200 Innovation Blvd.