According to Miller-Keystone Blood Center, the regional blood supply is in urgent need of donations as hospitals have resumed elective surgeries. It is critical individuals in the community donate blood in order to meet the transfusion needs of regional hospitals. Blood is perishable and there is no substitute – the only source is the volunteer blood donor. Platelets have a five-day shelf life and are very difficult to keep available. Red blood cells have a 42-day shelf life but are quickly used up, especially if there is no one available to replenish the supply.

As organizations begin to resume operations, Miller-Keystone Blood Center has started to schedule on-site bloodmobile drives. Any organization wishing to make the arrangements for an on-site bloodmobile drive can contact the blood center at 800-223-6667 to speak with an account manager.

Visit www.giveapint.org to help.