COUDERSPORT, Pa. — Community members answered the call to help save lives Monday, July 20, by donating blood during a successful Community Blood Bank blood drive held at UPMC Cole.

The event, which ran from noon until 5 p.m., welcomed area residents who took time out of their day to make a difference for patients across the region. Every donation collected will help replenish the area’s blood supply and support hospitals caring for patients experiencing trauma, undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatments, and facing other medical emergencies.

Raven Eddinger, who coordinated the drive for the Community Blood Bank, said the organization has maintained a longstanding partnership with UPMC Cole and returns every 56 days to collect blood donations from the community.

“We’re having a blood drive for the Community Blood Bank,” Eddinger said. “We’re the sole supplier to UPMC Cole.” She added that the organization is based in Erie and provides blood products to hospitals throughout northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York.
Although giving blood takes only a short time, the impact can last a lifetime. A single donation has the potential to help multiple patients, making community blood drives an essential part of maintaining an adequate blood supply for local hospitals.

Monday’s drive was considered a success, thanks to the generosity of area residents who stepped forward to donate. The continued support from repeat donors, along with those giving blood for the first time, helps ensure lifesaving blood products remain available whenever they are needed.

The Community Blood Bank regularly hosts blood drives throughout the region and encourages eligible donors to participate whenever possible. Because blood products have a limited shelf life and the need for transfusions never stops, consistent community participation remains vital.

For those who were unable to attend Monday’s event, another opportunity will arrive in just 56 days when the Community Blood Bank returns to UPMC Cole to once again invite local residents to help save lives—one donation at a time.

To learn more about upcoming blood drives or to schedule a donation, residents can contact the Community Blood Bank or watch for announcements from UPMC Cole.