A Difficult Time
You’re reading this because someone you love has become ill and is being treated with blood products from the Community Blood Bank. Many of us at the Community Blood Bank have also been personally affected by illness, and we wish your loved one a speedy recovery.
Many people don’t realize the importance of blood products in the treatment of illnesses until someone they love has received red cells, platelets or plasma through the Community Blood Bank.
Now that someone you love has benefited from this wonderful gift, consider becoming an advocate for blood donation by sponsoring a blood drive in your loved one's honor. Your story will help educate the community about the importance of blood donation and increase the local blood supply so that all local patients can receive the treatment they need, without interruption.
Hosting a blood drive is a simple and meaningful way to help during a time when you might feel there isn’t a lot you can do. We look forward to being your partner during this difficult time, and in better days ahead.
Our Mission Statement
The Community Blood Bank’s mission is to assist communities in the region to meet their own needs for a safe, adequate supply of blood and blood products, while meeting or exceeding all safety and compliance requirements, and at the most cost efficient price.
Who Uses Blood?
After the donation process is complete your blood is tested and separated into different blood products. Your blood is made up of 3 major components.
Red Blood Cells
The red blood cells are the cells that transport oxygen to your body’s tissues. These are most commonly used for surgeries and traumas. Red Cells are also used to treat anemia, an example of which is iron deficiency. The second component found in your blood is platelets.
Platelets
These particles are the essential component for blood to clot normally. Cancer patients are the main recipients of platelets, 20% of all blood products collected by the CBB go to cancer patients.
Plasma
Plasma is the third component in blood. It is a liquid containing a variety of proteins, the most significant being the clotting factors. Clotting factors in the plasma help to promote normal coagulation and also to help control active bleeding. Patients who use plasma are typically surgical patients, trauma patients, burn victims, heart patients and patients with liver failure. So if you are thinking about donating just remember, 1 unit of blood can literally save the lives of 3 people.
The Donation Process
The donation process takes less than 45 minutes total and is a four-step process. Each donor begins by filling out a short health history form and will be asked to read some educational material about donating blood. A mini physical- which includes having your blood pressure, pulse, iron and temperature checked by a phlebotomist- will be the next step. Your phlebotomist will also go over your donor history card with you at this time. You then move on to the donation itself. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. When you have finished donating you will be asked to stay for about ten minutes to have a drink and snack.
General Donation Requirements
- Must be in general good health.
- Must weigh at least 110 lbs.
- No tattoos or piercings from a tattoo parlor in the last year.
- Must be at least 17 yrs of age or 16 rs of age with a signed CBB parental consent form.
- Photo I.D. is Required.
Hosting A Drive
People want to help. Time and again, we have seen donors generously respond to the need for blood. But when a person they know has needed blood, the response can be even greater.
To host a blood drive, a friend or family member will be identified as the “Donor Chairperson” and work with the Community Blood Bank’s Mobile Drive Coordinator to find a venue (fire hall, parish center, etc.), date and time for the Heart to Heart Blood Drive. The coordinator will work with this person to promote the blood drive within the family’s social network, providing whatever materials might be helpful in spreading the word. The blood that is collected will not necessarily be used for your loved one, but instead be available in the general blood inventory for any local patient who may need it.
For more information, call 1-877-842-0631 and ask to speak to the Mobile Drive Coordinator.
Alternative Donation Options
At the Community Blood Bank we make donating accessible to everyone. We are located at 26th & Peach streets, next to Northwest Savings Bank in Erie, PA. There is also a fixed site in Bradford, PA located at 24 Davis Street. There are also monthly community drives in all the areas that we service. Also, check with your place of business, we may be holding a drive right there! For more information on when and where blood drives are located click on the “Find a Drive” link above.