WEST CHESTER, PA — The American Red Cross is seeking blood and platelet donors across Chester County and nationwide this fall to maintain the supply hospitals rely on, with several local blood drives scheduled through Oct. 5.
The organization supplies more than 6.5 million blood products to hospitals nationwide each year and is urging donors of all blood types to make appointments in the coming weeks.
September is National Preparedness Month, and the Red Cross identified maintaining an adequate blood supply as part of disaster readiness, including responses to home fires and natural disasters.
Donors who give blood or platelets through Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.
Through Sept. 30, donors who give at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention “pickleball” to staff or volunteers can also receive a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball while supplies last. Additional information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/FindADonationCenter.
Chester County donation opportunities include the West Chester Blood Donation Center at 1065 Andrew Drive. The center operates 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.
Additional blood drives are scheduled across the county:
- Oxford: Sept. 23, noon-5 p.m., Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St.
- Lincoln University: Sept. 24, 1-6 p.m., and Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Lincoln University Wellness Center, 1570 Baltimore Pike.
- Phoenixville: Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., VFW Post No. 1564 Ettinger Powers Campbell, 200 Starr St.
- Exton: Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America, 1 Scouting Way.
- Parkesburg: Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., VFW Post No. 4480, 406 Fourth Ave.
- Elverson: Oct. 5, 1-6 p.m., Brick Lane Community Church, 52 S. Brick Lane.
Appointments can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
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