Three blood drives will be held this month in the Warren area as the Community Blood Bank tries to increase blood donations.

Several blood drives were canceled in December due to severe winter weather. As the sole blood supplier for 19 local hospitals in the Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York regions, the blood bank is now facing a critical shortage of supplies.

The cancellations during the winter storm season have left the blood bank with dangerously low levels of blood, particularly impacting the availability of all blood types. With hospital demand continuing to rise, the situation has become even more dire, putting vital medical procedures at risk. Local hospitals depend on the support of generous donors to ensure life-saving treatments such as surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency transfusions can take place.

“The canceled drives in December were a direct result of the severe weather conditions that impacted the entire region. As a result, we didn’t receive enough donations during the holiday season, a time when blood donations typically fall,” said Raven Edinger of the Community Blood Bank. “We need help now to stabilize our blood supply. The local hospitals rely on us, and without these blood donations, life-saving procedures can’t happen.”

The first of these drives will take place today at Warren General Hospital from noon to 5 p.m. Additional drives will be scheduled throughout the month at various community locations, including Holy Redeemer Church from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 18 and the Youngsville Fire Department from noon to 5p.m. Feb. 19.

“We urge everyone who can donate to come out and help,” Edinger said. “Every donation has the potential to save multiple lives. Our community has always stepped up in times of need, and now is one of those times.” “We’re facing an urgent need for all blood types right now, especially O-negative, which is the universal blood type. It’s crucial that we replenish our supplies quickly to ensure we can meet the needs of patients who require blood transfusions, surgeries, and treatments.”

Donations are needed from all blood types, but especially O-negative, the universal donor type. CBB is asking all eligible individuals to consider donating to help meet the critical need. To donate, individuals must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting www.fourhearts.org or by calling Edinger at 814-596-3395. Walk-ins are also welcome, but scheduling an appointment ensures a smoother process for donors. Blood donations take about 45 minutes.