CUMBERLAND — Officials of the American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region, have expressed concern about the combined effects of recent wintry weather and widespread colds and flu on its efforts to meet collection targets and patient need.
“More healthy blood donors of all blood types are needed, particularly those with type O negative and B negative blood. Colds and flu may be contributing factors to an increased number of donor appointment cancellations,” said John Hagins, CEO, Greater Alleghenies Region.
The recent extreme temperatures and periods of snow have resulted in blood drive cancellations and low donor turnout in many portions of the 100-county blood services region. “Several blood drive sponsors have reported that their usual donors have said the weather has prevented them from donating blood,” Hagins added.
Hagins emphasized, “Donating blood will not cause you to be more susceptible to the flu. Your resistance to the flu will not be compromised simply by giving blood. There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a flu vaccine, as long as you are feeling healthy and well the day of donation.”
With warmer weather forecasted the remainder of the month, the Red Cross continues to schedule blood drives.
• Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Frostburg Village Nursing Care Center and 1 to 6 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, Accident.
• Tuesday, noon to 6 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, Somerset, Pa.
• Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m., Potomac Center, Romney, W.Va.
• Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.,Terra Alta (W.Va.) Ambulance Building.
To schedule an appointment to donate, call 800-RED CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive identification.
Latest news
Red Cross appeal
- Latest news
-
-
‘Time just kind of stood still’
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children.
-
City hopes economic strategies clear way for job creation, growth
Shawn Hershberger, economic development coordinator for the city, gave an update of the strategies being pursued for economic growth, including developing an educational center at the former Human Resources Development Commission location.
-
Protesters rally at FirstEnergy meeting
At least 200 union workers picketed FirstEnergy’s annual shareholder meeting in West Virginia on Tuesday, demanding the Ohio-based utility hire enough people to keep the power on without forcing an ever-shrinking labor force to work as many as 1,800 hours of overtime a year.
-
DelFest activities kick off with annual teaching academy
As temperatures in the Cumberland area soared into the upper 80’s Monday and hit 90 on Tuesday, the DelFest folks were going full tilt at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, getting ready for their upcoming Memorial Day weekend music festival.
-
2 adults, 3 teens charged in former Sacred Heart Hospital breaking and entering
Two adults and three juveniles have been charged in connection with a recent breaking and entering of the former Sacred Heart Hospital complex on Seton Drive, according to the C3I Unit.
-
Final testing for Rocky Gap Casino
As required by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the Rocky Gap Casino went through final live testing of its operations Monday, with officials hoping to open casino doors for business on Wednesday.
-
Piedmont town foreman enters guilty plea
Piedmont Town Foreman John Shingler is facing a prison term of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 after pleading guilty to a charge of conversion of government property Thursday in U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia, Martinsburg, according to court documents.
-
New septic system rules will tax county health department
New state laws on septic systems will require increased on-site work for Allegany County Health Department staff and could lead to an eventual increase in septic system inspection fees, department officials said last week.
-
Mineral County commissioners keep ambulance authority bylaws
The Mineral County Commission voted down a proposed change to the county ambulance authority bylaws that would have allowed the ambulances to expand nonemergency transports.
-
Family has long connection to local YMCA Matriarch hopes to keep tradition in family
Vickie Murray Aman has been working at the Riverside YMCA for the past 44 years. She is the matriarch of a family who has had a longstanding relationship with the local Y.
- More Latest news Headlines
-
