The _meric_n Red Cr_ss needs help to bring back the A’s, B’s and O’s. This is not a typo. These letters represent blood types, and the reality is that during blood shortages these letters do go missing from hospital shelves. The American Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to give now to help prevent delays in patient care this summer.
Earlier this month, A’s, B’s and O’s began disappearing from brand logos, social media pages, signs and websites as part of the Missing Types campaign to draw attention to the need for new blood donors. More than 1,000 partners across the country, from small businesses to leading national brands, have signed on to join the #MissingType movement and raise awareness about the critical role of every blood donor.
While thousands of donors have answered the call to donate blood, more donors are needed now to help ensure blood types don’t go missing. During the summer, especially around holidays like Independence Day, donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs. The Red Cross is thanking all those who come to donate July 2-7 with an exclusive Red Cross Missing Types T-shirt, while supplies last.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Chester County:
American Red Cross Blood Donation Center
West Chester Blood Donation Center
523 East Gay St., West Chester
Monday – Thursday: 11:45 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. (whole blood)
Friday – Sunday: 7:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. (whole blood & platelet pheresis)
Berwyn
7/5/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Brandywine Realty Trust Building, 300 Berwyn Park, 801 Cassatt Road
7/10/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Trident, 1205 Westlakes Drive
7/12/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Envestnet, 1000 Chesterbrook Blvd., Suite 250
Coatesville
6/29/2018: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., YMCA Brandywine, 295 Hurley Road
Devon
7/6/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Luke Lutheran Church, 203 N. Valley Forge Road
Downingtown
7/2/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Joseph’s School, 340 Manor Ave.
Exton
7/9/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Lionville Fire Company, 15 S. Village Ave.
7/10/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., AGI, 220 Valley Creek Blvd.
Glenmoore
7/12/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ludwig’s Corner Fire Company, 1325 Pottstown Park
Kennett Square
7/3/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kennett Square VFW Post No. 5467, 704 W. Baltimore Pike
7/5/2018: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Kendal Crosslands, 1660 E. Street Road
Kimberton
6/27/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Basil’s Roman Catholic Church, 2300 Kimberton Road
Oxford
7/5/2018: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Church Knights of Columbus Council No. 13241, 201 Church Road
Paoli
7/13/2018: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Paoli Hospital, 255 W. Lancaster Ave.
Phoenixville
7/2/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., YMCA, 400 E. Pothouse Road
Thorndale
7/3/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Thorndale United Methodist Church, 3503 E. Lincoln Highway
West Chester
6/27/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wellington at Hershey’s Mill, 1361 Boot Road
6/28/2018: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Chester County Hospital, 701 E. Marshall St.
West Grove
7/6/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Londongrove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road
How to donate blood
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 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 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 nancy.tobin@redcross.org 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.
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