In preparation for the 2009 G-20 Summit happening in downtown Pittsburgh Sept. 24-25, 2009, Central Blood Bank is asking donors to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients in area hospitals in the days leading up to and during the summit.

“Hosting the 2009 G-20 Summit is an exciting opportunity for the city of Pittsburgh and with that honor comes an influx of activity to our city,“ said Central Blood Bank Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Judi Matok. “Although many area businesses are adjusting their operations throughout the summit, the need for blood transfusions as an important part of many area patients' treatment cannot be suspended during the summit.“

As Pittsburgh's regional blood center, Central Blood Bank supplies the blood products and transfusion-related services to more than 40 hospitals in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and eastern Ohio.

“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 it is why we are asking donors to donate blood in the days prior and throughout the event. Area patients depend on blood being available for their treatment and only volunteer blood donors can ensure a healthy blood supply for them.“ Matok adds, “We encourage our donors to visit one of our many sites outside of the city parameters.“

All the Central Blood Bank Community Donor Centers will continue to operate as normal, except the downtown Pittsburgh site. 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. 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.
.