FROM UNITED HOSPITAL CENTER

 

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many parts of everyday life. One thing that hasn’t changed is the ongoing need for blood donations to help local patients during medical emergencies, cancer treatments and surgeries. You can help by donating at United Hospital Center’s (UHC) blood drive on Wednesday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Mountaineer Medical Building 120 Medical Park Drive, Bridgeport, WV 26330, on the UHC campus.

 

It’s extremely important right now for healthy people to continue donating blood. Donating blood is safe. The coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process. Vitalant, which operates the UHC blood drives and supplies blood products to the hospital, follows the FDA-regulated donor pre-screening process, and their staff adhere to rigorous safety and disinfection protocols at blood drives.

 

Donating blood is a permitted, essential health activity during pandemic restrictions. At this time, Vitalant is asking all donors to wear masks or face coverings during their donations. Vitalant staff wear them as well.

 

“Many of us feel frustrated and restless while observing pandemic restrictions. When you don’t know what to do with yourself, do something for someone else,” says Kristen Lane, local Vitalant spokesperson. “Donating blood is a way to feel useful and to help your community.”

 

Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, please download the Vitalant-Pittsburgh mobile app for your smart phone; visit the website vitalant.org and click on the orange “Donate Blood” button; or call 877.25.VITAL (84825). Use the group code W4310001 for the UHC drive.