Critical Blood Levels

Urgent Blood Appeal

Lower Than Expected Blood Donations
Impact Blood Supplies; Immediate Donations Needed

The American Red Cross is urging the public to donate blood now and in the upcoming weeks to help rebuild blood supplies. Lower than expected blood donor turnout since the beginning of the year has resulted in overall inventories being extremely low, with blood types O negative and O positive at critical levels.

"Winter is historically a challenging time to meet collections goals," stated John Hagins, CEO of the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region. "We had our first cancellations due to weather last Friday, further impacting an already low blood supply, and we expect there may be more to come. I am urging people in this area to make an immediate commitment to donate blood." The blood services region needs over 900 blood donors every day but has seen far fewer than that this month.

"Since the beginning of January, we have had a lower than expected donor turnout at the majority of our blood drives," Hagins added. "We need to have enough people donating blood every day to help ensure we have enough blood and blood products on hand to supply hospitals with the blood they need to treat their patients." Hagins stated that the region has only collected 58 percent of what they expected to this month, representing a shortfall of over 3,000 donations.

Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. Type O positive is the most common blood type.

The Student Red Cross Club and many other Penn State organizations are sponsoring THON blood drives in the next couple weeks. For every donor coming to a campus blood drive, the American Red Cross will make a $4 donation to the Four Diamonds Fund. The donor can choose to which student organization this donation is credited. These drives will give the Penn State community a way to help increase blood inventories while raising money for THON.

Upcoming Blood Drives can be found at the Blood Drive link.

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment to donate. Donors with appointment will have priority status when entering health histories. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

For more information about THON blood drive sponorships, please go to our THON Partner's page.

Club Goals

The purpose of the Penn State Student Red Cross Club is to coordinate student activities relating to the programs fostered by the American Red Cross. These activities include: blood services, safety and lifesaving introduction, health fairs, youth services and other projects agreed upon by the membership.

Upcoming Events

Spaghetti Dinner
February 22nd, 2012 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 208 W. Foster Ave

Come eat homemade spaghetti, meatballs, cheesy biscuits and plenty of desserts, all for $5! Proceeds go to Student Red Cross Club, and tickets can be bought at the door or from SRCC members beforehand. Don't forget to bring your friends! If you're interested in volunteering to help with this fundraiser, please contact Divya Ghorpade at dag5259@psu.edu.

Nacho Night
March 21st, 2012 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 208 W. Foster Ave