During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.
Since 1943, every U.S. President has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.
Blood donor Timothy Sheely knows the need firsthand. His wife required 12 units of blood during emergency surgery following the birth of their son. “If it had not been for blood donors, she might not have survived,” he said. “Thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their mom. I can’t possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good.”
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.
Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need 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)
Berwyn
3/9/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Berwyn United Methodist Church, 140 Waterloo Ave.
3/13/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Trident, 1205 Westlakes Drive
Downingtown
3/12/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike
Exton
3/2/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., West Whiteland Township Building, 101 Commerce Drive
3/8/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., AGI, 220 Valley Creek Blvd.
3/13/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Chester County Economic Development, 737 Constitution Drive
3/15/2018: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 104 S. Village Ave.
Oxford
3/5/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St.
Pottstown
3/1/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Norco Fire Hall, 144 W. Schuylkill Road
Thorndale
3/12/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Thorndale United Methodist Church, 3503 E. Lincoln Highway
West Chester
3/2/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., acac Fitness & Wellness Center, 1130 McDermott Drive
3/7/2018: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., West Chester University, Sykes Student Union, 110 W. Rosedale Ave.
West Grove
3/15/2018: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Jennersville Regional Hospital, 1015 W. Baltimore Pike
How to help
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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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 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 feed and provide 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.
Like many people, I never realized how important giving blood was until I was asked to donate for a family member who needed it for surgery. I don;t know if she actually received my blood or I was just replacing what she was going to use. Regardless, the whole family came together to donate.
@TimothyAlex – Thanks for donating! We need to collect close to 800 pints of blood every day in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to meet our patient demand. Blood donations are always needed!
What a great article. I have never given blood because of fearing needles. I suppose I should change my mindset. I would gladly donate for a family member or friend, but we all have to remember in some way, we are all family. Thanks for sharing all of the locations and making it easy to choose one that will fit into people’s hectic schedules.