Though spring has officially arrived, the American Red Cross blood supply is still recovering from severe winter storms in March. Donors of all blood types are urged to roll up a sleeve and help save lives.
Winter weather in parts of the country forced more than 270 blood drives to cancel, resulting in over 9,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations in the first two weeks of March. In Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, more than 40 blood drives were canceled due to winter weather in March, causing close to 2,000 donations to go uncollected. No matter the weather, the need for blood to help cancer patients, those undergoing surgeries, trauma patients and others remain.
Volunteer blood donors from across the country are needed to help ensure lifesaving blood products are available for patients this spring. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Chester County:
American Red Cross Blood Donation Center
West Chester Blood Donation Center
523 East Gay St., West Chester
Monday – Thursday: 11:45 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. (whole blood)
Friday – Sunday: 7:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. (whole blood & platelet pheresis)
Coatesville
3/22/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Family Life Center, 101 Kylies Road
4/11/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Brandywine Hospital, 201 Reeceville Road
Devon
4/10/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Luke Lutheran Church, 203 N. Valley Forge Road
Exton
3/25/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Clarion at Exton, 815 N. Pottstown Pike
Frazer
3/22/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 400 Lancaster Ave.
Kennett Square
4/10/2018: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., New Bolton Center, 328 W. Street Road
4/13/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Patrick’s Church, 212 Meredith St.
Lincoln University
3/23/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lincoln University, Student Union Building, 1570 Baltimore Pike
Malvern
3/23/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Workspace Property Trust, 5 Great Valley Parkway
3/28/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road
4/4/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Arbor Ridge, 72 E. Swedesford Road
4/5/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Allstate Insurance Group, 1200 Atwater Road
Oxford
3/25/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., CrossFit Thunder Hill, 501 S. Third St.
Paoli
4/6/2018: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Paoli Hospital, 255 W. Lancaster Ave.
Phoenixville
4/5/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., University of Valley Forge, Capeci Hall, 40 Pine Crest St.
4/11/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 500 Cresson Blvd.
Unionville
4/8/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 109 E. Doe Run Road
West Chester
4/4/2018: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Mitch’s Market Street Gym, 322 W. Market St.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, contact contact Nancy Tobin at 215-451-4229 or nancy.tobin@redcross.org or visit rdcrss.org/driver.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.