ConnectLife launches urgent appeal for blood donations

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini

26 minutes ago

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) — Blood donations are at their lowest level of the year this season and ConnectLife is experiencing a massive need for O+ and O- blood donors.

During the summer months, people are on vacation and children no longer have easy access to school blood drives. ConnectLife is now calling on the public to donate.

On July 8, a single adolescent patient required more than 30 units of O+ blood and 20 units of O- blood, and the supply of both blood types was completely depleted, ConnectLife said in a statement.

According to ConnectLife, people in Western New York need blood donations every day, whether they’re car accident victims, people battling cancer or mothers who have just given birth.

“Unfortunately, this shows how precarious the blood supply can be in the summer,” said
Sarah Diina, Senior Director of Marketing and Community Development at ConnectLife. “A
The incident could have a huge impact on local hospitals’ ability to have blood ready
for those who need it.

All donors will be entered into weekly drawings to win Buffalo Bills training camp tickets. Additionally, those 21 and older who donate in July will receive 2-for-1 beer vouchers to local Fattey Beer breweries.

A single blood donor can save up to three lives. You must be at least 17 years old to donate blood. If you would like to donate, you can click here.