WEST CHESTER, PA — The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history as summer donations fell to a four-year low, forcing the organization to limit type O blood distributions to hospitals and raising concerns about delays in patient care.
The supply of type O positive blood has dropped below one day, according to the Red Cross. All blood types are needed as donations continue to trail hospital demand.
The organization attributed the worsening shortage to extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses that have reduced donor turnout this summer.
“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply,” Paul Sullivan, the Red Cross’ senior vice president of donor services, stated.
Sullivan estimated that three additional donors at each blood drive this summer could help stabilize supplies through the remainder of the season.
The Red Cross is directing prospective donors to schedule appointments through its Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.
People who donate by July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email valued at up to $15, including fees. Donors who give from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Chester County donation opportunities scheduled through Aug. 15 include:
The West Chester Blood Donation Center at 1065 Andrew Drive accepts donors from 11:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
July 27
- Coatesville: 1 to 6 p.m. at Lutheran of the Good Shepherd, 107 S. 17th Ave.
- Phoenixville: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at VFW Post No. 1564 Ettinger Powers Campbell, 200 Starr St.
July 28
- Exton: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America, 1 Scouting Way.
July 29
- Exton: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chester County United Way Leadership and Innovation Center, 150 John Robert Thomas Drive.
- West Chester: 1 to 6 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Road.
Aug. 5
- Downingtown: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, 455 Boot Road.
Aug. 6
- Oxford: Noon to 5 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 116 Lancaster Pike.
Aug. 7
- Downingtown: Noon to 5 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Uwchlan Ave.
- Exton: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon Drive.
Aug. 11
- Coatesville: 1 to 6 p.m. at Westwood Fire Company, 1403 Valley Road.
- Exton: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America, 1 Scouting Way.
- Malvern: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road.
Aug. 12
- Exton: Noon to 5 p.m. at the West Chester School District Administration Building, 782 Springdale Drive.
- Kennett Square: Noon to 5 p.m. at the Kennett Area YMCA, 101 Race St.
Aug. 13
- Avondale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Garage Community and Youth Center, 121 Pennsylvania Ave.
- Berwyn: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at PECO, 1050 Swedesford Road.
- Exton: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway.
Aug. 14
- Exton: 1 to 6 p.m. at the West Whiteland Township Building, 101 Commerce Drive.
Additional information about the July donor incentive is available at RedCrossBlood.org/July. Details about the August incentive are available at RedCrossBlood.org/August.
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