BLACKSBURG— The YMCA at Virginia Tech has a new partnership with The Blood Connection to host a series of monthly blood drives to strengthen the local blood supply and support lifesaving care across the region.
Beginning Jan. 27, blood drives will be held on the last Tuesday of each month through April, noon – 4 p.m., in the parking lot of the YMCA’s Lancaster House headquarters at 403 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg.
All donors will receive a $30 gift card of their choice, and The Blood Connection will donate an additional $10 per donor to the YMCA at Virginia Tech, helping support community programs and services.
Why blood donation matters
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Despite this constant need, only about three percent of the population donates—far too few to meet ongoing medical demand. A single blood donation can be separated into three components—platelets, plasma, and red blood cells—allowing one donor to potentially save three lives.
Additional key facts highlight the urgency:
One in seven hospital patients requires a blood transfusion.
Blood can be donated every 56 days.
Red blood cells have a 42‑day shelf life, while platelets last only five days, creating a continual need for new donations.
Blood is considered a drug by the FDA, yet it is the only drug that cannot be manufactured, making community donors essential.
“We are excited to partner with The Blood Connection to make donating blood easier and more rewarding for our community,” said Laureen Blakemore, Director of Community Engagement at the YMCA at Virginia Tech. “Every donation supports not only patients in hospitals but also the vital programs and services the YMCA provides to our region.”
Blood drive dates
All drives take place noon – 4 p.m. at the Lancaster House parking lot, 403 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg on Tuesday, Jan. 27, Tuesday, Feb. 24, Tuesday, Mar. 31 and Tuesday, April 28. Additional drives will also be scheduled soon at the YMCA Thrift Shop location. Dates will be announced.
To learn more or schedule a donation appointment, visit: www.vtymca.org/y-blood-drives/.
YMCA at Virginia Tech
