Blood Supplies at Critical Low; Red Cross Urges Carbon County Residents to Donate
News Release: July 18, 2006
Contact: Molly Dalton, Communications Manager American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region, 1-800-432-8045, ext. 2407

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley is urging Carbon County residents to give blood. Blood donations over the last few weeks have been down dramatically. There is a special need for Type O-Negative, A-Negative, and B-Negative blood types.

Type O-Negative blood is the universal blood type, which means that it can be transfused to anyone, particularly in cases of emergency. As often as possible, blood recipients are matched to their own blood type. However, in cases of emergency or when time is limited, Type O- Negative blood is used. Therefore, it is vital to have a healthy supply of Type O-Negative blood.

Residents who are eligible are encouraged to donate blood this month at the following location:

  • Friday, July 21, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Nesquehoning Recreation Center, 353 West Railroad Street, Nesquehoning.

    • Blood drives tentatively scheduled for August include: Aug. 9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., in Lehighton (location to be determined); Aug. 17, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall in Jim Thorpe; and Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Palmerton Borough Hall in Palmerton.

    Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is healthy may give blood. Everyone who participates has a chance to win $50 free gas cards. High school age teens who participate have a chance to win an Apple iPod.