Vitalant, which provides blood to most hospitals in Western Pennsylvania, says platelets are needed by those being treated for cancer, people with blood disorders and patients receiving open-heart surgeries and organ transplants. Submitted photo

Did you know you have the power to save lives by donating blood? Nonprofit blood provider Vitalant provides blood to most hospitals in Western Pennsylvania, including UPMC Passavant Cranberry. However, hospital patients are using blood donations faster than people are donating blood, and we are experiencing a national blood shortage.

Blood donation is a safe, comfortable process that takes only about an hour — from registration to juice and cookies. The actual donation process generally takes only about 10 minutes.

Most healthy people are eligible to donate blood. Every whole blood donation can potentially save three patients’ lives, because blood is separated into three components: red cells, platelets, and plasma.

√ Red cells help pediatric patients, trauma or surgery patients, and people with anemia.

√ Platelets are needed by those being treated for cancer, people with blood disorders, and patients receiving open-heart surgeries and organ transplants.

√ Plasma is given to patients in shock, and those with severe burns or clotting disorders.

Vitalant encourages eligible blood donors to schedule an appointment to give in November, when it is especially critical to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients leading up to Thanksgiving week and into December, because busy holiday schedules sharply reduce the number of available donors.

Anyone planning to donate blood is encouraged to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water the day of their appointment, and bring identification such as a driver’s license.

The community is welcome to donate blood, plasma and platelets at the Vitalant Blood Donation Center located in the Butler Centre at 20421 Route 19 in Cranberry Township.

In addition, Vitalant hosts regular blood drives in the area, including these in November:

Nov. 22 from 2 to 7 p.m., Harley-Davidson, 4655 Route 422, New Castle

Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Holy Sepulcher Church, 1304 E. Cruikshank Road, Butler

Nov. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., AHN-Grove City Medical Center, N. Broad St. Extension, Grove City

Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., MSA Safety, 1000 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township

Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., South College, 3000 Westinghouse Drive, Cranberry Township

Nov. 29 from 7:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Pine-Richland High School, 700 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia

To learn more and schedule an appointment to donate, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

This article was submitted by Vitalant.