Valentine's Day Blood Drive at Landerhaven Canceled

Give From the Heart, the annual Valentine's Day blood drive sponsored by and the American Red Cross, has been canceled because of a strike.

Christy Sabaka, American Red Cross regional communications manager, said Teamsters Local 507, representing 250 workers who handle blood collection operations, plans to strike at 3 a.m. Feb. 14. She added that at this point the Valentine's Day event at cannot go on even if a deal could be reached.

"In fairness to the sponsors and donors, we want to make sure to give plenty of notice," Sabaka said.

About 12,000 people attend the Valentine's Day event and 1,000 pints of blood are collected – one day's supply for the area, Sabaka said. "The hope is to reschedule," she added.

Despite the impending strike, arrangements are being made to continue blood supplies and people can be assured blood will be available if they need it.

"We our a national organization, so we have other resources for blood. We will continue to work. Our goal is not to have this disrupt our operations," Sabaka said.

Talks with Teamsters Local 507 have been ongoing since July, but economic issues were first discussed recently, Sabaka said.

"We're so disappointed that the union would jeopardize the health of patients," she said.