Lancaster blood donation efforts continue amid nationwide shortage

The United States is short on blood, and blood centers are counting on the public to help those in need.The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania said the organization must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to meet hospital and patient needs nationally.The Susquehanna Valley is no stranger to the issue.News 8 visited a blood donation site by Lancaster General Health in August, where people were making a difference.”If you donate a pint of whole blood, that blood can be separated into its components and help up to three people,” Dr. Sarah Nassau of Lancaster General Health said. “One donation can help multiple people.” Mobile events in Lancaster County happen on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.In New Providence, News 8 learned that each event lasts around five hours and the process of donating blood is simple.First, you check in and give your personal information.Then, you head over to the red boxes, where you answer Food and Drug Administration-required questions.Next, you head on to the physical screen room, where staff ensure your blood pressure, temperature and pulse are good enough to donate blood.Finally, it’s donation time. As the staff draws a pint of blood from you for six to 12 minutes, you’ll have some yummy treats to accompany you, like cookies, juices and string cheese.Pints of blood are taken back to the hospital every two hours.If you’d like to donate blood soon, a special event is being held on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Southern Market in Lancaster.