Community Blood Bank Seeks Bigger Draw
Donations incentivized this week as supply dwindles
The Community Blood Bank is hoping to draw a better turnout this week (and beyond) as inventories locally and nationwide are nearly tapped out.
"We've said from the beginning of COVID that blood donors would be needed consistently for the long term," said Deanna Renaud, executive director of the Community Blood Bank. "The donated units are being used as fast as we collect them, so this goes beyond one or two days — or even a week — of strong turnout."
The Community Blood Bank, a member of both The American Association of Blood Banks and America's Blood Centers, supplies hospitals in Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. It's urging all generally healthy individuals who are 17 years or older and 110 pounds or more to make an appointment, whether they haven't donated in a while or have never donated at all. Every blood type is welcome, with Type O (universal donor type) being the most coveted.
To make the prospect of giving blood more appealing, it's offering a host of incentives this week, including:
- A voucher for a free express car wash at any area Niagara Car Wash location ($9 value)
- A coffee gift card to either Tipsy Bean or Tim Horton's
- A chance to win a $100 gift card to a home improvement store of the donor's choosing
The Community Blood Bank's Erie Donor Center is located at 2646 Peach St. is open for donations on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, will be the last day to take advantage of these incentives.
Appointments may be made by calling (814) 456-4206, signing up online at ourdonorssavelives.org, or by walking in. A mask must be worn for the duration of the visit.
Matt Swanseger can be reached at mswanseger@eriereader.com
