Garnet Health Medical Center Hosting Urgent Blood Drive Amid Summer Shortages

Garnet Health Medical Center is teaming up with the New York Blood Center for a community blood drive on Tuesday, August 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at its Middletown campus. The drive comes as hospitals across the region face urgent blood shortages.Blood donations often decline in the summer months when schools are closed and many people are traveling. At the same time, hospitals tend to see more trauma cases and accidents, particularly during busy travel weeks.“Blood shortages are critical, especially for August,” said Susan Cannock, Emergency Department Nurse Manager at Garnet Health Medical Center. “We use a lot of blood during the summertime. If anybody has ever driven 17, which I’m sure everybody has, you see all the traffic, constant accidents.”Cannock stressed that the need extends beyond trauma cases. “We have actually not only just cancer and cancer treatments, childbirth, surgeries — blood is constantly needed for all of those people,” she said. “One donation can save two lives. So that’s why we’re asking everybody to be a hero.”The hospital is encouraging donors of all backgrounds to participate, noting that blood types are inherited and diverse donations improve outcomes for patients with complex needs, such as those with sickle cell disease.Eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weighing a minimum of 110 pounds, and being in good health. Temporary restrictions may apply for recent tattoos, piercings, or illnesses. Updated eligibility guidelines are available at nybc.org or by calling 1-800-933-2566.The blood drive will be held at Garnet Health’s Conference Center, located at 707 East Main Street in Middletown. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled in advance at donate.nybc.org.Cannock added, “It always feels good to give. Come and be a hero tomorrow. Join the hero club of the emergency room and trauma team.”