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Critical Need For Blood Donors As Multiple Traumas Exhaust Blood Supply

By Miller-Keystone Blood Center

Sep 29, 2020

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA – Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s blood supply is rapidly depleting and at critical levels. All available blood donors, specifically O-positive and O-negative blood donors, are asked to call the blood center and donate as soon as they are able. Plasma and platelets are also urgently needed. The blood center will have emergency openings at the Bethlehem Donor Center on Sunday, September 27, 2020, beginning at 6:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

O-positive is the most common blood type and 1 in 3 people will need this type of blood transfusion. O-negative blood, the universal blood type, is used to treat patients in emergency situations when hospitals don’t have time to determine an individual’s blood type. With multiple trauma incidents occurring in the region and a nationwide blood shortage, the need for blood is in constant demand. There is no substitute for blood, the only source is from volunteer donors who provide this life-line to trauma victims, cancer patients for transfusions, premature babies and emergency surgical procedures.

If you are new or considering donating blood, you must be 16 years of age* or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be feeling healthy; you must not have donated in the past eight weeks. All donors must also provide valid identification. (* – parental consent required for 16-year-old donors)

For more information or to schedule a donation, call 1-800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667). While donors can also visit GIVEaPINT.org to schedule an appointment online, donors are encouraged to call the Blood Center as special accommodations have been made to accept additional donors with the O positive and O negative blood type.  Due to social distancing guidelines, we cannot accept walk in donors at this time.  Appointments are necessary.

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