Pittsburgh Penguins host blood drive to make up for lost donations

PITTSBURGH — There are five days until the Pittsburgh Penguins get back on the ice.

But Friday, the team was all about saving lives, hosting a blood drive at the DoubleTree in downtown Pittsburgh.

Vitalant, a nonprofit that collects blood across the country, said nearly 50 blood drives were canceled over the past two weeks, resulting in the loss of about 1,500 anticipated donations.

“We really have to make up that deficit in blood donations, and when people come down today and we welcome walk-ins, they are really helping people in our community, not only patients in the hospital who need blood, but people who are food insecure,” Vitalant communications manager Kristin Lane said.

The Greater Washington County Community Food Bank benefits from this event.

Donors will also have their blood checked for COVID-19 antibodies.

OTD: Penguins 2017 Victory Parade OTD: Penguins 2017 Victory Parade

Cox Media Group