EASTON, Pa. — One of Easton’s favorite restaurants is stepping up to help the community with a blood drive Tuesday.
And those who donate a pint will score themselves a couple of gifts for their generous spirit, too.
Aman’s Artisan Indian Cuisine will hold its annual Year End Blood Drive from noon-6 p.m. Dec. 30 at Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St., in partnership with the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society and Miller-Keystone Blood Center.
“The demand for blood is a constant reality. Our community blood supply is the key to meeting this need. When we donate and support a life-saving cause, we ensure that the demand is met locally. Stable blood types still require platelet donors.”Miller-Keystone Blood Center website
A live Indian street food counter will be on the scene, as well, offering those who donate a fun opportunity to try some new food to get their energy back up.
And if you happen to find something you like from the counter, you’re in luck: Each person who donates blood at the event will get a $20 Aman’s voucher for dine-in service, in addition to a free ticket for the nearby Sigal Museum.
Those interested can call 1-800-223-6667 ext. 2 to set up an appointment or register online.
According to Miller-Keystone Blood Center, “The demand for blood is a constant reality.”
“Our community blood supply is the key to meeting this need," the Miller-Keystone Blood Center website reads.
"When we donate and support a life-saving cause, we ensure that the demand is met locally. Stable blood types still require platelet donors.”
‘Good people willing to help others’
At this time, B+ and AB+ blood supplies at Miller-Keystone are listed as stable, but AB- is listed as a priority, platelets are listed as an urgent need, and A+. A-, B-, O+, O-, and AB plasma all are listed as being a critical need.
Type O- red cells are particularly valuable, the American Red Cross states, as it can be given to patients of all blood types.
Only about 7% of people in the country have that blood type.
“[B]lood donations are more than important. If blood could be manufactured it would be, but it can’t be manufactured."Bruce McIntosh of Hellertown
AB plasma also can be transfused to patients of all blood types, though as only 4% of people in the country have that type, it is often in great demand and short supply.
According to the American Red Cross, “Despite 62% of Americans being eligible to donate blood, only about 3% actually do.”
And since red blood cells must be used within 42 days, and platelets must be used within just five days, the need just doesn’t let up.
On the Miller-Keystone website, one personal account from Bruce McIntosh of Hellertown recounts an experience seeing droves of people lining up at the blood center in Bethlehem to donate blood just after Sept. 11, 2001.
The scene was unforgettable, spurring McIntosh to donate and continue donating over the years, and even volunteer.
“[B]lood donations are more than important," McIntosh said in his personal statement. "If blood could be manufactured it would be, but it can’t be manufactured.
"Blood must come out of the arms of good people willing to help others.”
