LifeShare ready to send blood to Las Vegas.

Donations encouraged in coming weeks

In the wake of the deadly mass shooting in Las Vegas, LifeShare Community Blood Services is ready to send blood from northeast Ohio if supplies are needed, according to a media release.

On Oct. 2, the community blood bank announced its sister agency, United Blood Services in Las Vegas, provided nearly 200 units of blood and blood products in the wake of the Oct. 1 shooting.

“Already, the local Las Vegas community and communities across the country are coming forward in solidarity to support and honor those impacted by this senseless shooting,” said a statement from LifeShare, 105 Cleveland St. in Elyria.

As part of the Blood Systems Blood Services division, LifeShare Community Blood Services is included in a multi-state system of blood centers, according to the agency.

This network works in tandem, moving lifesaving donations throughout the system to help ensure blood is available when and where it’s needed most.

“In any situation where blood transfusions are needed, it’s the blood already on the shelf that saves lives,” said Debbie Bonzak, executive director for LifeShare Community Blood Services. “We understand that people want to come forward now to show their support, however, to effectively manage the blood supply for patients. We are asking donors to make appointments to give blood throughout the coming days and weeks.”

While O-positive, O-negative and platelet donations are most needed whenever tragedy strikes, LifeShare Community Blood Services urges both existing and first-time donors of all blood types to visit www.lifeshare.cc or call 866-644-5433 to schedule an appointment at one of its five donor centers or at a mobile blood drive.

Blood has a shelf life, so LifeShare needs donations on an ongoing basis. It can take 24 to 36 hours to collect, test, process and distribute blood where it’s needed, the release said.

Individuals who are as young as 16 years of age with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health may be eligible to donate blood.

LifeShare has five blood donor centers across northeast Ohio. Open hours vary but are posted online. • 333 E. Bridge St., Elyria • 4340 N. Leavitt Road, Lorain

• 2021 Wales Ave. NE, Massillon

• 18100 Jefferson Park Road, Suite 102, Middleburg Heights

• 1455 Harrison Ave. NW, Suite 208 — North Building, Canton

LifeShare also accepts donations every other Saturday in Avon Lake at the Old Avon Lake Firehouse Community Center at state Route 83 and Lake Road.

On Oct. 2, the community blood bank announced its sister agency, United Blood Services in Las Vegas, provided nearly 200 units of blood and blood products in the wake of the Oct. 1 shooting.