PHILADELPHIA, PA — The American Red Cross is urging donors across Chester County and the region to give blood or platelets in September as the national blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer shortage.
The organization is seeking donors of all blood types and has scheduled multiple blood drives across Chester County through Sept. 30, in addition to regular hours at its West Chester Blood Donation Center.
The Red Cross said the need for blood remains constant even after supply levels improve, because hospitals rely on donated blood products for ongoing patient care.
Donors can schedule appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
The organization is offering several donor incentives this month. Those who donate between Sept. 1 and Sept. 20 will receive a Red Cross and Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and sticker pack while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.
People who donate from Sept. 21 through Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, according to the Red Cross. Donors who give at Red Cross blood donation centers from Sept. 21 through Sept. 30 and mention “pickleball” may also receive a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball while supplies last.
The September campaign coincides with the 85th anniversary of Dr. Charles R. Drew’s appointment as the first medical director of the Red Cross Blood Program.
The Red Cross is marking the anniversary with “Iconic Excellence,” a short documentary examining Drew’s life and influence on blood banking. The film is scheduled to become available Sept. 18 on the organization’s YouTube channel. Additional information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/IconicExcellence.
In Chester County, the West Chester Blood Donation Center at 1065 Andrew Drive is open Monday through Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 7:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional Chester County donation opportunities include:
- Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Upper Main Line YMCA, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road, Berwyn.
- Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon Drive, Exton.
- Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Upland Farms, 301 Pottstown Pike, Downingtown.
- Sept. 16, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Resolution Life Headquarters, 1475 Dunwoody Drive, West Chester.
- Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., West Chester University, Sykes Student Union, 110 W. Rosedale Ave., West Chester.
- Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 300 State Road, West Grove.
- Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Coatesville YMCA, 295 Hurley Road, Coatesville.
- Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America, 1 Scouting Way, Exton.
- Sept. 21, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Avondale Presbyterian Church, 420 Pennsylvania Ave., Avondale.
- Sept. 21, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Paoli United Methodist Church, 81 Devon Road, Paoli.
- Sept. 23, noon to 5 p.m., Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St., Oxford.
- Sept. 24, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., St. Luke Lutheran Church, 203 N. Valley Forge Road, Devon.
- Sept. 24, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Lincoln University Wellness Center, 1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University.
- Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lincoln University Wellness Center, 1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University.
- Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., VFW Post No. 1564 Ettinger Powers Campbell, 200 Starr St., Phoenixville.
- Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America, 1 Scouting Way, Exton.
The Red Cross said donors can find additional appointments and donation-center information at RedCrossBlood.org/FindADonationCenter.
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