>>Pennsylvania Department of Health Says Blood Shortage is Critical
(Hummelstown, PA) -- Leaders at the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank are expressing their growing worry about what they say is a critical shortage of blood. They're especially concerned about the dramatically decreasing number of volunteers who regularly donate blood. Blood bank CEO Patrick Bradley says COVID-19 has prevented some donors from giving blood and that's impacting the scheduling of blood drives. He also says all blood types are needed to make sure there is a reliable supply for patients. People can donate blood regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status as long as they meet donation eligibility requirements. Bradley adds that there's no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or flu vaccine.