ERIE, Pa. - The Community Blood Bank recently had the best summer in the organization's 46-year history, with no local blood shortages reported.
Community Blood Bank officials report the blood bank was able to share blood with other blood banks all summer as a result of its success. The situation is a change from previous summers, when the blood bank had to import blood multiple times to meet the local need. Blood usage in 2012 increased a bit from 2011, according to blood bank officials, who said It takes about 800 donors each week to maintain a safe blood supply.
The Community Blood Bank is attributing some of its success to changes to its marketing plan and several major promotions bringing in donors. The 'Give Blood: Go To Disney' promotion in August was successful, they said, while the blood bank also gave away Amazon Kindle Fires in July. And, through Sept. 22, the blood bank has four tickets to a Pittsburgh Steelers game that can be won by a blood donor.
"We are so grateful for such great support from our donors and everyone in the community," said Dan Desrochers Community Blood Bank marketing director. "But the real trick will be to see if we can do it again next summer."