(WNY News Now) – Erie’s Community Blood Bank faces critical shortage after severe winter weather cancels blood drives and limits donor turnout.
Erie, PA – In response to the ongoing severe winter weather conditions, the Community Blood Bank has had to cancel 13 blood drives over the last week. This has caused a strain on our local blood supply. We have been mobilizing Emergency Blood Drives when able, but donor turnout has been drastically low.
Winter storms have caused widespread disruptions in transportation and led to the cancellation of numerous blood donation appointments, resulting in a significant shortfall of blood available for patients in need. At this time, we are aware that travel within the City of Erie has been limited, and the safety of our donors is a top priority for CBB. The Community Blood Bank is open it’s regular hours at the Erie Donor Center and will be accepting donors. However, we advise that everyone is cautious and only travel if able to do so.
The Community Blood Bank is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to the region. As the need of our hospitals continue, the Community Blood Bank is working to maintain a safe blood supply. All blood types are needed, with an emphasis on type O blood, which meets the immediate needs of patients.
Please follow CBB on Facebook to be provided with the latest cancellations and enacted Emergency Drives.
CALL (814) 456-4206 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TO DONATE.
Appointments are encouraged to reduce your wait time but are not required.
Walk-ins will be taken as space allows.
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