News Release: November 4, 2002
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
Residents are urged to give blood to help boost the community's blood supply. The American Red Cross reported today the blood shortage which has plagued this area for several months is still a problem. There is less than two days of blood available to help patients in the region's hospitals.
"We have seen a slight increase in the number of people giving blood," said Dr. Ralph Vassallo, Medical Director, American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region (NEPA). "However, the number of people donating has not been enough to end the current blood shortage. There is less than a two-day inventory of six out of eight blood types.
"This blood shortage is truly a community problem with the potential to affect each and every one of us," Vassallo continued. "I truly urge everyone to help, to give blood now."
The Red Cross bloodmobile will make the following visit in November:
Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Nesquehoning Recreation Center on W. Railroad St. in Nesquehoning.
To give blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 105 pounds, and be healthy. For more information, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
