SHARON, Pa. - The Red Cross is asking the Valley to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to ensure others in our area get the care they need.

Officials with the Red Cross say they are thankful for donations that have helped alleviate an immediate blood crisis reported in early 2022. But, they say in the days and weeks ahead, it’s still important that the Red Cross maintain a supply for hospital patients.

Friday, March 18th, the Sharon Regional Medical Center is hosting a blood drive at 740 E. State Street. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The Red Cross says they are currently testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. 

• Read more: Red Cross blood donors can learn if they have COVID antibodies

Red Cross officials say donations that have a high level of antibodies may be used as a convalescent plasma to help meet the needs of COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems.

In addition, some individuals are screened for the sickle cell trait. Red Cross officials say, this additional screening provides the donor with an additional health information and helps find a blood match quickly for patients with sickle cell disease.

Donors can expect to receive antibody testing results and sickle cell trait screening results within one to two weeks through the Red Cross.

To donate, Friday: Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter:
SharonRegionalMedical to schedule an appointment.