CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The vast majority of blood types fall into one of the major blood groups. However, for patients with rare blood types or those who receive regular blood transfusions, blood must be matched closely – beyond the primary A, B, O and AB blood types – to reduce the risk of developing complications from transfusion therapy. The best match may be someone of the same racial or ethnic group.
Donors of all blood types, as well as all races and ethnicities, are needed to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population. Appointments can be made 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.
As a thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets during the month of October will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants, courtesy of Tango Card. Terms apply; see rcblood.org/game.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Chester County:
American Red Cross Blood Donation Center – West Chester
523 E. Gay St., West Chester
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11:45 a.m.-7:45 p.m. (whole blood)
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 7:15 a.m.-3 p.m. (whole blood and platelet pheresis)
Exton
9/29/2019: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Clarion at Exton, 815 N. Pottstown Pike
10/10/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Chester County Economic Development, 737 Constitution Drive
Frazer
9/26/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 400 Lancaster Ave.
9/28/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sheraton Hotel Great Valley, 707 E. Lancaster Ave.
Kennett Square
10/1/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., New Bolton Center, 328 W. Street Road
10/9/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S. Broad St.
10/14/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kennett Fire Company No. 1, 301 Dalmatian St.
Kimberton
9/30/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Centennial Lutheran Church, 1330 Hares Hill Road
Malvern
10/6/2019: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley, 2475 Saint Peters Road
10/7/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, 414 Paoli Pike
10/11/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 104 Channing Ave.
Nottingham
9/27/2019: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Revolution, 476 W. Christine Road
Paoli
9/30/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Paoli United Methodist Church, 81 Devon Road
10/4/2019: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Paoli Hospital, 255 W. Lancaster Ave.
Parkesburg
10/11/2019: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., VFW Post No. 4480, 406 Fourth Ave.
Phoenixville
9/26/2019: 6:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Phoenixville Hospital, Medical Office Building II, 826 Main St.
9/30/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Phoenixville Battle of the Breweries blood drive at Root Down Brewing Company, 1 N. Main St.
10/11/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, 502 Main St.
Pottstown
10/7/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Coventryville United Methodist Church, 1521 Old Ridge Road
West Chester
10/2/2019: 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., St. Agnes Parish, 233 W. Gay St.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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.
Volunteer 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 redcross.org/deliver or contact Monica Wildes at 215-299-4803 or monica.wildes@redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.