Red Cross Blood Shortage Continues Even as Thousands Answer the Call to Give

Red Cross Blood Shortage Continues Even as Thousands Answer the Call to Give

CHESTER COUNTY, PA —Thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July. Still, there continues to be an emergency need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to address a severe blood shortage.

Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.

“Patients don’t get a summer break from the need for lifesaving treatments, so it is critical that hospitals have access to blood products each and every day,” said Alana Mauger, communications manager of the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives, but the emergency need remains. Those who haven’t rolled up a sleeve to give are urged to do so today.”

There is a particular need for type O blood, which plays an important role in ongoing patient care and emergencies. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient. It’s what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

In addition, presenting donors who come out to give blood or platelets in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware during the month of August will receive a voucher for a free Iced Coffee and classic donut courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts in Philadelphia. Vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash and are available while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give now using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by 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
8/3/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Brandywine Realty Trust Building 300, 801 Cassatt Road

Coatesville
8/10/2018: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Brandywine Center, 744 E. Lincoln Highway

Devon
8/15/2018: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Surrey Services, 60 Surrey Way

Downingtown
8/2/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Simpson Meadows, 101 Plaza Drive
8/13/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Hopewell United Methodist Church, Family Life Center, 852 Hopewell Road

Exton
8/7/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Chester County Economic Development, 737 Constitution Drive
8/14/2018: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., West Chester School District Administration Building, 782 Springdale Road

Kennett Square
7/30/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 N. Union St.
8/9/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, 415 W. State St.

Malvern
8/9/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 104 Channing Ave.

Paoli
8/6/2018: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Church of the Good Samaritan, 212 W. Lancaster Ave.
8/10/2018: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., Paoli Hospital, 255 W. Lancaster Ave.
8/10/2018: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Paoli Hospital, 255 W. Lancaster Ave.

Phoenixville
8/3/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 865 S. Main St.
8/3/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Technical College High School, 1580 Charlestown Road
8/8/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn-Valley Forge/Oaks, 500 Cresson Blvd.

Spring City
8/6/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Rectory, 3640 Schuylkill Road

West Chester
8/1/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., VFW Post No. 106, 837 Lincoln Ave.
8/7/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., West Goshen Township Building, 1025 Paoli Pike


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.

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.

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News.

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.