Buffalo Bills Saving Lives Through Blood Donation
The Buffalo Bills and ConnectLife are teaming up to save lives in WNY during a very tough time for blood donation.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, ConnectLife was deeply concerned about looming blood shortages as a result of cancelled drives and stay at home orders. WNY’s only community blood bank put out a call for donors and saw a surge from those wanting to give back.
Concerns are heightened again though as WNY starts to reopen, and ConnectLife fears that a threatened blood supply is inevitable.
In an effort to help fill the gap, the Buffalo Bills are hosting a series of community blood drives for ConnectLife, Monday, June 8th through Friday, June 12th. All donors will receive an exclusive “Buffalo Together” Bills t-shirt.
So far the response has been amazing. All 250 appointments for Monday’s drive at New Era Field from have been filled. There are still appointments available through Friday at ConnectLife’s Neighborhood Blood Donation Centers.
Over the past two weeks, hospital need for blood has increased over 20%. ConnectLife anticipates that throughout June -utilization will only continue to increase as surgeries resume and hospital census increases.
Blood drives continue to cancel and there is a decline in appointments scheduled. There is currently less than a 5-day supply of blood on the shelves.
To practice social distancing, all donor wait chairs, screens, beds, and refreshment chairs are placed 6 feet apart. All surfaces are being sanitized between every donation.
ConnectLife asks that all blood donors wear a mask. If you do not have one, a disposable one will be provided to you during your donation.
Information and resources on COVID-19, blood donation, and social distancing can be found at ConnectLive.org. You can also make an appointment to donate there as well!
We will share photos from the event later today!
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