In preparation for the 2009 G-20 Summit happening in downtown Pittsburgh Sept. 24-25, 2009, Central Blood Bank has announced operational changes in accordance with the event to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for area hospitals in the days leading up to and during the summit.

“We are strongly encouraging donors to schedule appointments to donate blood in the weeks leading up to the 2009 G-20 Summit to not only strengthen the community blood supply in case of an emergency, but also due to changes in Central Blood Bank operational times and locations,” said Central Blood Bank Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Judi Matok. “As this is the first year the summit has been in Pittsburgh, like most other Pittsburgh businesses we are faced with the challenge of the unknown. We are asking for our donors help to prepare as best as we can to ensure operations continue.”

“We are estimating a loss of 500 units due to the 2009 G-20 Summit,” said Dr. Joseph Kiss, Medical Director for Central Blood Bank. “This loss will be the equivalent of a one-day supply and is why we are adamantly asking donors to donate blood in the weeks prior and after the event. While it is difficult to predict the impact the 2009 G-20 Summit could have on collections, we know in the event of an emergency only volunteer blood donors can ensure a healthy blood supply for area patients.”

Central Blood Bank’s downtown Pittsburgh Community Donor Center, located in the Law & Finance Building, will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 and will reopen Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. The downtown site will be the only community donor center affected by the 2009 G-20 Summit, all other sites will be operating as normal. However, donors are strongly advised to reference the Central Blood Bank Web site, www.centralbloodbank.org, before donating at this location to verify dates and times.

The Central Blood Bank Web site will be updated daily throughout the 2009 G-20 Summit to reflect operational changes as well as inventory levels. To schedule an appointment prior to the 2009 G-20 summit, donors are urged to visit www.centralbloodbank.org or to call 1-866-366-6771.

Donor Criteria
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Proper ID is required to donate blood.  A Central Blood Bank or military ID, driver’s license, or employee badge with picture and full name are all approved forms of ID.

Central Blood Bank
Established in 1951, Central Blood Bank is a Pittsburgh-based not-for-profit organization providing blood products and related transfusion services to hospitals in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Crawford, Mercer, and Washington Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as selected communities in northern West Virginia. For more information on Central Blood Bank, visit www.centralbloodbank.org or call 1-866-DONORS-1.
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