The Community Blood Bank is reporting most blood types are at a less than a one-day supply available to the patients in need in the local hospitals. Approximately 35% of the organizations who hold blood drives in our communities are not operating onsite or have limited operations, resulting in the expected loss of nearly 1,000 units of blood for May and June.

A blood drive will be held from noon to 5:30 p.m. on June 22 at the St. Bernard Catholic Church gymnasium, at 95 E. Corydon Street in Bradford. Appointments are being taken, and interested donors are asked to call Shari Jerman at 814-688-3696.

“There is always a way to do something positive in challenging times,” said Deanna Renaud, Executive Director for the CBB. “Blood donors are needed desperately now, and for months to come. Many blood centers are facing the same need for donors so there is no other option but for our community to donate the blood needed here at home.”

The blood supply has been below adequate levels in recent weeks, as elective surgeries have been rescheduled after delays due to COVID-19. However, with schools and many businesses still operating remotely, blood drives continue to be canceled and donor turnout has been low.

The blood bank is asking residents to donate blood as soon as possible, so that patients who will need blood for surgeries, traumas and chronic illness treatments will get the units they need.

“We keep saying it’s the blood on the shelf that saves lives,” said Renaud. “Right now, there is not much blood on the shelf.”

All blood donors will also be automatically entered to win a $250 gift card to a home improvement store of their choosing, perfect to help finish off quarantine projects.