MUNCY- During National Blood Donor month, Muncy Valley Hospital is hosting a Community Blood Bank (CBB) blood drive on Friday, Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the first floor recreational room at the skilled nursing unit located at 215 East Water Street. Donors will receive a free t-shirt.

Blood donated through the CBB impacts the blood supply at local UPMC Susquehanna hospitals, including Williamsport Regional, Divine Providence and Muncy Valley Hospital.

“When you donate blood you give someone another chance at life-another day to spend with family and friends-another day to play in the snow or enjoy a walk with a loved one,” says Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, CBB community relations coordinator. “Your donation is a lifesaving gift to our community.”

National Blood donor month was formed to help create awareness about the need for blood donations. According to FDA regulations, only volunteer blood donations can be used during blood transfusions. Annually, approximately 4.5 million Americans require blood products. Daily 40,000 pints of blood are given to those in need-including newborns, cancer, trauma, and surgical patients.

“Your donation is important,” says Lora Cope CBB mobile drive coordinator. “If you do not already give regularly, I would encourage you to make it part of your New Year’s resolution to give blood. It is a simple way to make a profound difference in the lives of others in need.”

To be eligible to donate, donors should be healthy, over 110 pounds, and be

at least 17 years of age or 16 with parental consent. Refreshments will be available to all donors.

For more information on the CBB, to schedule a blood donation appointment or to find out how to host a CBB drive, please call 570-789-4026 or visit FourHearts.org.

About Community Blood Bank

As a non-profit organization, Community Blood Bank has been providing a safe, reliable supply of volunteer blood to hospitals through regional partnerships since 1966. Community Blood Bank is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The organization is an independent blood center and is a current member of multiple nationally recognized blood banking associations such as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and America’s Blood Centers (ABC).