Red Cross Faces Blood and Platelet Shortage; Donation Opportunities Scheduled in Centre County

The American Red Cross is in urgent need of donors as blood and platelet supplies have dropped to their lowest post-summer levels in at least six years.

For certain blood types, less than a day’s supply has been available in recent weeks, so donors of all blood types — and especially type O — are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible, according to a Red Cross news release.

The blood supply typically rebounds in the fall from summer shortages, but donor turnout has been the lowest of the year amid a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases fueled by the more contagious delta variant of the virus, according to the nonprofit organization.

“To shore up inventory, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week this month to meet hospital and patient needs,” the news release stated.

Donors can schedule an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767. Donors this month will receive a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

Masks are required for donors and staff, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Red Cross is reminding donors about the importance of blood donations for patients undergoing treatment. Of the approximately 1.9 million people expected to be diagnosed with cancer in the United States this year, more than 281,000 will have breast cancer.

Nearly 25% of the blood supply is used be cancer patients, who need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Here’s a look at upcoming blood drives in Centre County:

Centre Hall

Oct. 19: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Centre Hall Lions Club, 153 Church Street

State College

Oct. 21: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., State College Borough Building, 243 S. Allen St.

Oct. 21: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Oakwood Presbyterian Church, 1865 Waddle Road

Oct. 25: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., American Legion Nittany Post 245, 1950 Pine Hall Road

Spring Mills

Oct. 25: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., New Hope Lutheran Church, 119 Cobblestone Court

University Park

Oct. 26: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Penn State HUB-Robeson Center

Oct. 27: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Penn State HUB-Robeson Center

Oct. 28: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, 118 Agricultural Sciences and Industries (ASI) Building