Hoss’s Steak and Sea House and the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross have announced a special “Blood Donations – It HOSS to Happen!” campaign in Blair County during June.
Presenting donors at all Red Cross blood drives held in Blair County during June will be entered into a drawing for one $25 Hoss’s Steak and Sea House Gift Card to be raffled off at each drive.
“There is a 97 percent chance that someone you know will need a blood transfusion. Every two seconds, someone in the US needs a blood transfusion,” stated the Greater Alleghenies Region’s Julie Bratton, donor resources field representative for Blair County. “The need is ongoing, 365 days a year.”
“All too frequently we hear that area blood supplies are low. We are committed to helping the Red Cross ensure adequate blood supplies at area hospitals, including the Altoona Regional Health System,” stated John Brown, President, Hoss’s Steak and Sea House.
“Simply put, increased donor turnout HOSS to happen, and happen now. Our understanding is that just a fraction of those who can give blood actually donate, so we hope our collaboration will attract both new and current blood donors.”
According to Bratton, Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, a longtime supporter of Red Cross Blood Services, sets an outstanding example for the community.
“Hoss’s holds Red Cross blood drives and provides in-kind donations to support several major Red Cross blood drives in the area. Last year, Hoss’s Steak and Sea House won our blood region’s ‘Corporate Good Neighbor Award’ in recognition for its support.”
Reinforcing the urgent need for blood donations, Bratton said that as of this morning, the 100-county region has approximately just a one-day supply of O-positive, O-negative, A-negative and B-negative blood types.
“Summertime is a very challenging period for us. One-fifth of our annual blood donations are given at high schools, universities and colleges, and most of these locations are not yet available during the summer. Some donors may also be away on vacation, yet patients’ blood needs to continue,” Bratton said.
The Greater Alleghenies Region has scheduled the following drives in Blair County during June:
Tuesdays – Noon to 6 p.m., Red Cross Donor Center, 317 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard.
Wednesday, June 18 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Altoona Regional Health System – Nurses’ Auditorium, 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona; and 12:30 to 6 p.m., Bellwood Senior Center, one Main Street, Bellwood.
Tuesday, June 24 – 1 to 7 p.m., Tyrone Senior Center, 505 third Street, Tyrone.
Individuals age 17 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health can donate blood. In Pennsylvania, 16-year-olds may donate blood with parental permission. Those with specific eligibility questions should contact the Nursing Collections office at (800) 542-5663. Most donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.
Donation appointments may be scheduled at many Red Cross blood drives. To schedule a blood donation appointment where available call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543).
The Greater Alleghenies Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, with more than five-dozen blood products and related services, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.
