Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million units of blood could be transfused in the United States. Individuals are urged to give a lifesaving gift this holiday season by making an appointment to donate blood or platelets and help the American Red Cross ensure a sufficient supply is available for patients throughout the holiday season. Those with type O blood are especially needed.
Here’s how blood donation impacts lives: On September 28, 2018, MaKenzie Schienebeck experienced a complication during her pregnancy and found herself losing blood extremely fast. She was in and out of consciousness and felt her life slipping away. Schienebeck was given blood transfusions on the way to the hospital, during emergency surgery and after surgery.
“I would not be alive today if it was not for the American Red Cross and the gracious donors who gave their blood,” said Schienebeck. “Blood is more than just blood. It’s the key to saving lives.”
During the holiday season, set aside an hour to give blood and be the lifeline patients need. Make an appointment now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
In thanks for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give blood or platelets now through December 18 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via e-mail, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.).
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.
Volunteers drivers needed: The Red Cross currently has a need for volunteer drivers to help to deliver the gift of life in the Greater Philadelphia region. Drivers are needed to transport blood and related products from community blood drives to the Red Cross Philadelphia Blood Donation Center at 700 Spring Garden St., as well as from the Philadelphia Blood Donation Center to area hospitals.
To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, visit redcorss.org/deliver or contact Monica Wildes at 215-299-4803 or monica.wildes@redcross.org.
Local Blood Drives
BRIDGETON:
December 11: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Inspira Medical Center, 333 Irving Ave.
December 28: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Seabrook Fire and Rescue, 90 Foster Road
MILLVILLE:
December 23: 2–7 p.m., Millville Elks Lodge No. 580, 1815 E. Broad St.
NEWPORT:
December 11: 2–7 p.m., Newport Senior Center, 288 Main St.
