CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The American Red Cross urges people of all races and ethnicities to give blood to help ensure a diverse blood supply for patients in need.
The vast majority of blood types fall into one of the major ABO groups. However, some blood types are unique to certain racial and ethnic groups, so a diverse blood supply is important to meeting the medical needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.
Twelve-year-old Braden Green required blood transfusions to treat complications from sickle cell disease. “It saved his life, that blood transfusion,” said his mom, Brenda Green. “A blood donation can give a patient another chance at life or an opportunity to get through the day.”
Blood given to patients with rare blood types or those who need repeated transfusions for conditions such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia must be matched very closely. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar racial or ethnic background.
All blood types are needed to ensure that the right blood product is available at the right time for all patients. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets through Sept. 30, 2018, will receive a coupon via email for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/sport-clips.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 16-30 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
9/20/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Brandywine Realty Trust Building 300, 801 Cassatt Road
9/20/2018: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., YMCA, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road
Coatesville
9/20/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., F.F. Breuninger and Sons Insurance, Inc., 1140 W. Lincoln Highway
Downingtown
9/16/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., In Motion Physical Therapy, 20 Country Club Drive
9/19/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., East Brandywine Township Building, 1214 Horseshoe Pike
Exton
9/21/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Exton YMCA, 100 Devon Drive
9/27/2018: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 104 S. Village Ave.
9/30/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Clarion at Exton, 815 N. Pottstown Pike
Frazer
9/27/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 400 Lancaster Ave.
Kennett Square
9/18/2018: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., New Bolton Center, 328 W. Street Road
Kimberton
9/24/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Centennial Lutheran Church, 1330 Hares Hill Road
Malvern
9/26/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Allstate Insurance Group, 1200 Atwater Road
Oxford
9/29/2018: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., CrossFit-Thunder Hill, 501 S. Third St.
Paoli
9/17/2018: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Paoli United Methodist Church, 81 Devon Road
Phoenixville
9/27/2018: 6:30 a.m. – 4:30 a.m., Phoenixville Hospital, , Medical Office Building II, 826 Main St.
Unionville
9/23/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 109 E. Doe Run Road
West Chester
9/19/2018: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Mitch’s Market Street Gym, 322 W. Market St.
9/20/2018: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Chester County Hospital, 701 E. Marshall St.
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, 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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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.