BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Western New York's only local blood center is looking for more donors to fulfill the community's needs.
ConnectLife has widened their blood donation guidelines to allow those who were deferred before to now donate, following relaxed FDA guidelines.
Individuals were previously deferred because of military travel, visiting areas where malaria is present and for having tattoos and piercings.
In a press release, ConnectLife tells us the demand for blood has increased by 20% since the end of May, a higher demand level than before the pandemic.
ConnectLife estimates they need roughly 100 people to donate blood every 56 days to keep on track.
They also say the increased need is due to more traumas and surgeries.
Eleven hospitals in Western New York including ECMC and Oishei Children’s Hospital directly rely on ConnectLife for their blood supply.
The press release does not make any mention of the current restriction blocking gay men from donating blood, unless they are abstinent for three months.
