As the nation continues to face a critical blood shortage, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center will host a community blood drive on Friday, August 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the hospital’s main campus in Johnstown. Donors who sign up will receive a free 4-month special offer to Apple Music.

The American Red Cross has an emergency need for lifesaving blood amid the ongoing severe blood shortage. The Red Cross has been distributing about 12% more blood products to hospitals across the U.S. compared to this time last year. The Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet the current hospital demand and end the severe blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O, which stands at just a one-day supply right now.

“As the only Level 1 Trauma Center between Hershey and Pittsburgh, we are prepared to treat the most complex emergencies in our region. Our team relies upon donations to the American Red Cross to provide life-saving care in our community. We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs,” said Russell Dumire, MD, Trauma Medical Director, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. “There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”

The blood drive will be hosted on the third floor of the Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs Building (“F” Building) on Franklin Street across from the hospital. Free parking will be available in Lot 2 off of Franklin Street near Rose Street. CamTran also provides transportation to the hospital campus. Masks and temperature checks will be required for entry and social distancing will be practiced. Those interested in donating should visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 814-534-9805 to schedule an appointment.

Donors can also sign up to donate blood at the Red Cross’s Johnstown Blood Donation Center (250 Jari Dr.) by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.