Recent health concerns have affected the opportunity to give blood and help the American Red Cross help those in need.
Mars Area High School Student Council is still hosting a blood drive Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school with spots available.
Another drive previously scheduled for Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Butler VA Healthcare Second Floor Lobby in Butler has been cancelled as a result of concerns about coronavirus.
However, according to Red Cross Account Manager Barb Kimbell, the need for blood donations is still strong.
“I actually just came from an all-day meeting about some of the procedures that are being changed and trying to be safe at our blood drives,” Kimbell said. “But hour-by-hour we do hear from businesses or hospitals that want to cancel their blood drive.”
Anyone who is healthy and able to donate is encouraged to make an appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.