UHC, Vitalant Blood Drive Set for Dec. 1 at The Bridge Sports Complex
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on November 27, 2021 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
United Hospital Center (UHC) is partnering with Vitalant (formerly Central Blood Bank) to host a community blood drive on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at The Bridge Sports Complex on Court 1 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Bridge is located at 400 Forrester Blvd in Bridgeport. To support safe social distancing, all prospective blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment – either by phone at 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825), or online at donateblood.centralbloodbank.orgby searching with Group Code W4310001.
UHC encourages the North Central West Virginia community to come out and give blood. It is a safe, comfortable process that takes only about an hour – from registration to juice and cookies! The actual donation generally takes only about 10 minutes. First time blood donors will learn their blood type at this event.
All blood donors will be entered into a random drawing to win a gift voucher from Spoonful of Comfort worth $95.00. Spoonful of Comfortdelivers bright packages of heartwarming comfort food that provides a personal lift for the soul. The company was started by two West Virginia University graduates.
Every whole blood donation can potentially save three patients’ lives, because their blood is separated into three components: red cells, platelets, and plasma.
- Red cells are help pediatric patients, trauma or surgery patients, and people with anemia
- Platelets are needed by those being treated for cancer, people with blood disorders, and patients receiving open-heart surgeries and organ transplants
- Plasma is given to patients in shock, and those with severe burns or clotting disorders
Most healthy people are eligible to donate blood. Vitalant encourages donors to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water the day of their appointment. Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals can donate, and everyone should bring ID (such as a driver’s license). Masks are required for all donors, regardless of vaccination status.
There is no waiting period to donate after being vaccinated for COVID-19 or the seasonal flu shot.
Donors with all blood types are needed, especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative is what emergency room personnel reach for when there is not time to determine a patient’s blood type.
