Madison Kwiecinski – Editor-in-Chief

mvk5945@psu.edu 

Photo Credit – Erie Community Blood Bank

The Community Blood Bank in Erie is currently seeking donations to help boost its blood supply. The Erie Community Blood Bank is the sole supplier to 19 of the region’s local hospitals and is therefore always seeking donations. 

The Blood Bank takes donations both at its regional location and at the numerous local blood drives they host. Appointments are not necessary to donate, but they are helpful and reduce wait times at these centers. 

The Blood Bank has faced several severe shortages over the last several months, and has often stated they are operating on less than one full day of supplies at a time. Donors are necessary to meet the necessary demand at local hospitals. 

The Community Blood Banks Director of Donor Services communicated that about 20 percent of the blood banks usual supplies stems from blood drives hosted at local high schools and colleges, a source they lack in the summer months. They are still recovering from the summer shortage now as they begin hosting more drives. 

In order to donate, you must be at least 17 years of age and a minimum of 110lbs. 

“All donors throughout September will be entered for the chance to win two tickets to a NFL football game of their choice and a $50 gas gift card,” said the Blood Banks Communications Specialist Erika DePalma.