United Hospital Center is again partnering with Vitalant (formerly Central Blood Bank) to host a community blood drive on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Citynet Center at the Bridge Sports Complex on Court 1 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 400 Forrester Blvd in Bridgeport. Appointments are recommended – either by phone at 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825), or online at donateblood.centralbloodbank.organd searching with Group Code W4310001.

 

All blood donations will be tested for antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19. Everyone who gives blood at the UHC Blood Drive will find out if these antibodies are present in their blood, and if their plasma can be used to help COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems. Results will be available in donors’ online accounts about two weeks later.

 

Vitalant can produce convalescent plasma from donations that test sufficiently high for COVID-19 antibodies while red blood cells and other blood components may help trauma victims, cancer patients and other patients with serious health conditions. The antibodies in convalescent plasma can give COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems an extra boost to help fight the disease. Learn more at vitalant.org/antibody.

 

“Many people may be curious about their antibody status as more COVID-19 variants continue to emerge,” said Vitalant spokesperson Kristen Lane. “This testing also empowers donors to help the most vulnerable COVID-19 patients with their blood donation.”

 

Added benefits of donating blood are a mini-physical and full panel of tests each blood donor receives, including a pulse, blood pressure, hemoglobin and cholesterol. These results can be tracked in the donor’s secure and confidential online account.

 

Healthy individuals who meet all eligibility requirements can give blood regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Those who’ve recovered from COVID-19 are eligible to donate blood after a brief waiting period. Masks are required and complimentary masks are available at all Vitalant sites.

 

About Vitalant

Vitalant (“Vye-TAL-ent”) is the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit blood services provider exclusively focused on providing lifesaving blood and comprehensive transfusion medicine services for about 900 hospitals and their patients across the U.S. and approximately 50 in southwestern PA. Every day, Vitalant needs to collect about 5,300 blood, platelet and plasma donations to help save lives. For more information and to schedule a donation appointment, visit vitalant.orgor call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Follow us on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.