Blood center appeals for donors
Miller-Keystone Blood Center has issued an appeal for donors, saying COVID-19 restrictions have taken a toll on its supply.
The appeal is for donors of all blood types, especially those with types O-positive and O-negative.
“Blood donations typically decrease this time of year due to holiday activity, combined with inclement weather, accidents and seasonal illnesses,” said Qiana Cressman, executive director of donor operations for the center, which covers Berks County.
The pandemic added an additional layer of challenges, she said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic forced the blood center to cancel several hundred drives, resulting in the loss of more than 12,000 blood donations between March and July,” she said. “It also required us to move to an appointmentonly policy in order to accommodate current social distancing recommendations.
“Our regional blood supply typically recognizes an uptick beginning in September when our regional high schools and colleges are back in session. However with many schools adopting online or hybrid models for the upcoming school year, we were notified by many of these institutions that they will be unable to host blood drives for the foreseeable future.”
Just one major trauma or disaster could have devastating effects on the center’s ability to provide for the transfusion needs of our community, said Marie Clemens, corporate director of communications.
“More than 450 donors are needed every day in our community to help in the care of cancer patients, accident victims, premature infants and others requiring lifesaving transfusions at our regional hospitals,” she said.
“While the loss of blood drives at our regional high schools and colleges, as well as some area businesses, has resulted in a decrease in our community blood supply, the demand at our hospitals remains steady,” she continued. “If there is ever a time to donate, now is that time.”
Last month the blood center updated its donor eligibility guidelines, meaning many individuals who previously deferred from donating may now be eligible.
“The deferral criteria for individuals receiving tattoos and/or piercings has been updated to three months,” Clemens said. “Criteria for certain travel, medications and a few other areas has also been revised.”
In order to donate, individuals must be 16 or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, feel healthy and must not have donated in the past eight weeks. All donors must also provide valid identification, and bring a mask to wear during their donation.
The blood center is operating under an appointment-only policy to accommodate current social distancing recommendations.
For the most up-to-date eligibility guidelines, operating hours at donor centers and satellite locations, or to schedule a donation online, visit giveapint.org.