AHN Grove City Hospital Hosting Community Blood Drive on February 8

GROVE CITY, PA. – AHN Grove City Hospital, in partnership with Vitalant is hosting a community blood drive on Tuesday, February 8, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the hospital’s conference rooms.

Nationally and locally, blood supplies have dropped to critically low levels, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to affect donations. Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant has seen 92,000 fewer donors in recent years, compared to pre-pandemic periods. While most people are able to donate blood, only 3 percent do.

Currently, Vitalant said it needs 1,000 extra blood donations a day to restore the supply of blood across the country. Nationwide, it has less than a two-day supply of type O blood—the most needed and transfused blood type that’s vital in emergency situations. The type O blood supply is at its lowest since May 2020, shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this area, more than 200,000 units of blood must be collected each year to meet the transfusion needs of local patients. There is no substitute for blood. Volunteer blood donors are the only source for patients in need of blood and blood products, and each donation can save up to three lives. Those who are eligible are urged to share their good health by donating blood.

Vitalant is the supplier of blood products for patients at AHN Grove City, and donors are needed. Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. Most medications are acceptable and blood donations can be made every 56 days.

Pre-registration is required for the February 8 blood drive. Register online at www.vitalant.org/AHN, or call Mona Philson at AHN Grove City at 724-450-7191.