Pocono News Section

Donations Needed For The American Red Cross

Donations Needed For The American Red Cross - Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 3:34PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 @ 03:34pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Floods and tornadoes in the Midwest have crippled blood supplies, leaving the rest of the country trying to make up for lost donations.

In the Wyoming Valley donations are also low. The American Red Cross says it's a critical time to come forward and roll up your sleeves. Donations are down. Way down.

The Red Cross says blood supplies have never dropped this low, this fast. This summer, they’re asking you to roll up your sleeves and give the gift of life. Stacey Weidler of Wilkes-Barre knows it's the right thing to do.

Stacey Weidler said, "They gave me a call and said they could use it and I made an appointment and my daughter needed a blood transfusion when she was born, so I feel it's kind of giving back. "

She and a handful of others paid a visit to the Wilkes-Barre Y. M.C. A blood drive. Joe and Karen Baranoski came out in memory of their parents. Joe Baranoski told Eyewitness News, "Both my parents died of cancer and so they used a lot of blood transfusions and so, I do that in memory of their lives and am aware there's a lot of people in the community with ongoing need for blood supplies."

Karen Baranoski stated, "I think it's something I can do to help others and it's sort of in memory of my mom who passed away last month."

One donation can save up to three lives, and it only takes about an hour of your time, plus most say the needle's not so bad. Joe Baranoski added, "You never get used to it and no one enjoys needles, but it's a poor excuse for not giving."

Officials say this gift will help replenish supplies. They only have about a two day supply of blood saved instead of their usual five day supply. John Castagna of the Red Cross said, "Every month we need to collect 7,000 to 8,000 units of blood across the region. Right now we're collecting 82 percent of what we need, that's going to wind up being a problem."

To make an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. Weidler told Eyewitness News, "I'm glad they call too, because sometimes you just don't put out the extra effort to go."

To make a donation you must weigh at least 110 pounds and be 16 years old. There is a blood drive taking place tomorrow, June 20 at the Luzerne County Court House from 9 am to 3 pm.