Vitalant

November 02, 2022 Last Updated: October 10, 2023 01:04 PM Progress

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Frequent donor Frank Baker making his 200th blood donation at the Cranberry Vitalant Donation Center.

Did you know you have the power to save lives by donating blood? Nonprofit blood provider Vitalant provides blood to most hospitals in western Pennsylvania, including UPMC Passavant Cranberry and Butler Memorial. However, since the pandemic, hospital patients are using blood donations faster than people are donating blood, and we are experiencing a national shortage:

Blood donation is a safe, comfortable process that takes only about an hour — from registration to juice and cookies! The actual donation generally takes only about 10 minutes.

Most healthy people are eligible to donate blood. Every whole blood donation can potentially save three patients’ lives, because their blood is separated into three components: red cells, platelets, and plasma.

· Red cells help pediatric patients, trauma or surgery patients, and people with anemia

· Platelets are needed by those being treated for cancer, people with blood disorders, and patients receiving open-heart surgeries and organ transplants

· Plasma is given to patients in shock, and those with severe burns or clotting disorders

Vitalant encourages donors to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water the day of their appointment. Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals can donate, and everyone should bring ID (such as a driver’s license).

Vitalant hosts regular blood drives in the area, including these:

Sunday, Nov. 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Cranberry Community U.P. Church

2662 Rochester Road

Cranberry Township, Pa. 16066

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Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

AHN-Grove City Medical Center

Conference Rooms C and D

631 N. Broad St. Ext.

Grove City, Pa. 16127

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