Published: July 02, 2009 12:14 am      

Supplies low

Red Crossneeds your help during blood drive

The American Red Cross has a never-ending challenge in trying to keep enough blood on hand to meet the medical needs of communities. Holiday times are especially difficult.

As an added incentive this Fourth of July holiday, The Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region is offering gift cards to those who donate.

Blood and platelet donors at any area Red Cross blood drive Friday through Sunday will receive a $5 gift card, while supplies last. Platelet donor centers are located in Altoona, Beaver, Greensburg, Johnstown and State College, Pa.

As of two days ago, the 100-county region that includes the Cumberland area had a one-day or less supply of O negative and A negative blood types and just over a one-day supply of B negative.

Among blood drives occurring over the next few days are:

• Friday: Western Potomac Chapter, 400 Cumberland Street, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, noon to 6 p.m.

• Saturday: Cumberland Holiday Inn, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Keyser Presbyterian Church, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Sunday: Lake Raystown Resort, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone 17 or older who weighs at least 110 pounds and is in generally good health can donate blood. In Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia, 16-year-olds may donate blood with parental permission. For more information call (800) 542-5663. Most donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.

To schedule a blood donation appointment, call (800) 448-3543.