We Are UGI: Donating to Save Lives

January is National Blood Donor Month, which is the perfect time to resolve to be a regular blood donor and help save lives.

UGI employee Denise Yost regularly donates blood through the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank. Denise has a rare blood type, B Negative, which she knows can help others in need, as less than 2% of the population have this blood type. B negative red blood cells can be given to both B and AB patients.

Denise began giving blood because her mother fought cancer and needed several blood transfusions during her battle. After her passing, Denise and her brother decided to honor their mother by giving blood because they know just how much it helps someone in need.

“One pint of my blood can save three lives,” said Denise. “I know how rare my type is and there are people out there who could need it; it’s a simple task I can do to help those in my community. The donation process is very easy, and I always feel extremely safe doing it, even during the pandemic.”

Each day in Central Pennsylvania, patients at area hospitals utilize between 275-300 units of blood and products derived from blood. Due to seasonal illnesses during the winter months, donations of blood and platelets decline and the demand increases. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the need is greater than ever before. To learn more about donating blood or to register to give blood, there are several resources to help you, including the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, American Red Cross, or Miller-Keystone Blood Center to name a few.

UGI is proud of our employees, like Denise, who take the time to help save lives in their communities by giving blood. Learn more about UGI’s commitment to community by visiting www.ugi.com/community.