Blood donations urgently needed in the final weeks of summer
(Aug. 7, 2017) – The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a chronic summer blood shortage.
In August, regular donors may delay giving as final summer vacations are planned and back-to-school activities ramp up. To fully meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks, donations are urgently needed from new and current donors. Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and Power Red cells can be donated every 112 days.
As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard™.*
Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 15-31
American Red Cross Blood Donation Centers
Philadelphia Donor Center
700 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia
Monday – Wednesday: 11:45 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. (whole blood & platelet pheresis)
Thursday – Sunday: 7:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. (whole blood & platelet pheresis)
Northeast Philadelphia Donor Center
1401 Rhawn St., Philadelphia
Monday – Thursday: 11:45 a.m. – 7:15 p.m. (whole blood & platelet pheresis)
Friday – Sunday: 7:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. (whole blood & platelet pheresis)
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Philadelphia
8/18/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Elmwood Community Methodist Church, 4523 Chester Ave.
8/18/2017: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., District 1199C, 1319 Locust St.
8/19/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bethel Deliverance International Church, 2901 W. Cheltenham Ave.
8/22/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Science Center, 3711 Market Street,Suite 800
8/22/2017: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Mercy Philadelphia Hospital, 501 S. 54th St.
8/22/2017: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., YMCA, 11088 Knights Road
8/23/2017: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Holy Redeemer Home Care, 12265 Townsend Road
8/23/2017: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Gospel Lighthouse Church, 1400 Hanson St.
8/23/2017: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Martha’s Roman Catholic Church, 11321 Academy Road
8/24/2017: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave.
8/25/2017: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, 11630 Caroline Road
8/25/2017: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Pennypack Woods Home Ownership Association, Community Building, 8724 Crispin St.
8/28/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., National Mechanics Restaurant & Bar, 22 S. Third St.
8/29/2017: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Methodist Hospita,l Morgan Conference Center, 2301 S. Broad St.
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Community partners play vital role in maintaining the blood supply
The Red Cross relies on community partners to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients. About 80 percent of blood donations made to the Red Cross are through blood drives set up by community organizations, groups and businesses, such as Suburban Propane.
As a proud national sponsor of the Red Cross Blood Services, Suburban Propane hosts blood drives throughout the year, encourages its employees and customers to donate during the challenging summer months, and provides employee volunteers across the country in one of the largest nationwide corporate volunteer efforts in support of the Red Cross Blood Services. Suburban Propane also supports a summer public awareness advertising campaign to educate people about the constant need for blood and platelet donations.
To become a community partner by hosting a Red Cross blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org for more information.
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/RapidPassand 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 [email protected] or visit rdcrss.org/driver.
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.
