BARB BARRETT/The Luminary The Community Blood Bank was at the Muncy Valley Skilled Nursing Center on Friday, Sept. 14. Donating blood are Frances Delker of Hughesville (left) and Sue Stacey of Muncy. They are with phlebotomists Amanda Black and Michelle Wiltsie.

MUNCY – The Community Blood Bank has become the contracted supplier of blood for UPMC Susquehanna and they have been partnering with Muncy Valley Hospital Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to host a blood drive. Spokesperson Lora Cope and mobile drive coordinator said the blood bank will visit the center periodically so that new donors will have the opportunity to stop in and give blood.

During a visit on Friday, September 14, Frances Delker of Hughesville said this was her first visit and first time she has given blood. “I did not have the proper weight requirement of 110 pounds or more,” she said and was grateful she could give this time.

Sue Stacey of Muncy said she is a universal donor and tries to give whenever she can. Cope said this month all donors will automatically be entered to win two tickets and a parking pass to the Penn State University vs Ohio State game on September 29.

“As UPMC Susquehanna continues to provide life-saving care to residents of our community, we formed an important partnership with the Community Blood Bank. This partnership has been a critical resource in strengthening the local blood supply in our communities,” said Steven P. Johnson, President of UPMC Susquehanna.

The Community Blood Bank is a non-profit organization established in 1961 and licensed by the Food and Drug Administration FDA), accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), and a member of America’s Blood Centers and Blood Centers of America.

According to Johnson, last year UPMC Susquehanna selected Community Blood Bank to be the primary supplier of blood products to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, Divine Providence, and Muncy hospitals. “Since then, we’ve experienced first-hand their commitment to quality, safety, reliability, and customer service,” he said.

The blood donations stay local, and the Community Blood Bank recognizes donors who achieve “gallon” milestones. Technology allows donors to go online and monitor points earned when they donate.

To donate or learn more, contact Lora Cope, Mobile Blood Drive Coordinator, at lora.cope@fourhearts.org or 570-789-4026.