Three regional Mercedes-Benz dealerships, including Mercedes-Benz of West Chester, are gearing up for a friendly competition to recruit eligible blood donors in order to help ensure patients have access to the blood they need this summer.
The community is invited to participate by scheduling an appointment to donate blood with the American Red Cross at one of three Mercedes-Benz locations on June 14 and 15. Locations include:
- June 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz of Atlantic City (sponsor code MercedesBenzAC), 6623 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey;
- June 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz of West Chester (sponsor code MBWC), 1260 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, Pennsylvania; and
- June 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington (sponsor code Mercedes Benz), 404 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.
To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor codes listed above or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
“We’re thrilled that these Mercedes Benz dealerships have stepped up to host this friendly blood drive competition as we kick off our summer blood collection season—a time when blood donations historically decrease because of vacations and schools being out of session,” said Alana Mauger, communications manager, Red Cross Penn Jersey Blood Services Region. “The demand for blood doesn’t take a vacation. Our region must collect close to 800 units of blood and platelets every day to meet patient need, regardless of the season.”
Blood cannot be manufactured. Healthy, volunteer blood donors are the only source of blood and platelets for those in need of transfusions. Volunteer blood donors of all types—particularly O negative, A negative and B negative are needed to help maintain a stable blood supply this summer.
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 must 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.
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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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.