Story by Chris Graham
www.waynesboroymca.com
The weather is affecting all of our schedules. It’s also affecting the ability of local hospitals to keep up with blood-donation needs.
“We are not ready to claim a crisis or emergency situation, but we are feeling the effects of the weather,” said Brian Chandler with Virginia Blood Services, which is partnering with the Waynesboro YMCA on a bloodmobile drive set for Monday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The recent run of back-to-back-to-back snowstorms have forced the cancellation of more than 50 Virginia Blood Services blood drives in the past two weeks, equating to the loss of 1,000 blood donations.
“It’s only because of faithful, regular blood donors, that we have been able to meet the needs of our hospitals, Augusta Health and 20 others in Central Virginia, and patients,” Chandler said.
Virginia Blood Services projects that it needs to process more than 400 blood donations every day to meet the needs of its partner hospitals.
People who wish to donate blood at the Virginia Blood Services bloodmobile can call ahead to schedule an appointment by phoning the YMCA at 540.943.9622. Walkins are also welcome.
More information about Virginia Blood Services is available online at www.vablood.org.
Other Virginia Blood Services bloodmobiles this weekend:
– Sangerville Church of The Brethren, 26 Vance Road, Bridgewater, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
– VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Verona Moose Lodge, 1510 Commerce Road, Staunton, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
– Gold’s Gym, 381 Lucy Drive, Harrisonburg, Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
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