Lieutenant John Howal donates double red cells at SCI Coal Township's American Red Cross Blood Drive.
On May 21, SCI Coal Township held its second blood drive for 2019. Eighteen staff members participated in the blood drive held in the prison's training room.
As a result, 20 pints of blood were collected, which will save the lives of 60 local patients. Two staff members, Superintendent Assistant Trisha Kelley and Lieutenant John Howal, donated double reds, which accounts for two transfusions each!
Double Red Cell Transfusion is the process, called apheresis (ay-fur-ee-sis), involving the use of a medical device to harvest a super dose of packed red blood cells. Platelets and plasma are returned to the body during the procedure, along with saline solution. The Double Red Cell donation allows the donor to donate twice the amount of red blood cells during one visit. This type of donation is mostly used for children.
The next blood drive will be held on Sept. 11. DOC staff are welcome to participate. For further information, contact Amie Newman: amnewman@pa.gov