ConnectLife puts out urgent call for blood donations

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Blood donations are at their lowest point of the year this season and ConnectLife is experiencing a massive need for O+ and O- blood donors.

During the summer months, people are on vacation and kids no longer have easily accessible blood donation drives at school. Now, ConnectLife is calling on the public to donate.

On July 8, a single teenage patient required more than 30 units of O+ and 20 units of O- blood, and the stores of those two blood types were completely emptied, ConnectLife said in a release.

Western New Yorkers require blood donations every day from car accident victims to those fighting cancer to mothers who have just given birth, according to ConnectLife.

“Unfortunately, this shows just how tenuous the blood supply can be in the summer,” said

senior director of marketing & community development at ConnectLife Sarah Diina. “One

incident can have an incredible impact on the ability for local hospitals to have blood ready

for those who need it.”

All donors will be entered into weekly drawings for tickets to Buffalo Bills training camp. Additionally, those 21 or older who donate in July will receive 2-for-1 beer vouchers for local Fattey Beer locations.

One blood donor can save up to three lives. You must be at least 17 years old to give blood. If you’re interested in donating you can click here.

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.