According to Delran Council President Gary Catrambone, there’s no good reason not to host a blood drive – and there are tons of reasons why you should.
“When we first started these, we saw the impact. It’s good for the community as a whole,” Catrambone said. “And when you really need blood, there’s no substitute.”
The township will host a blood drive from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the municipal building, 900 Chester Ave. Presenting donors will also receive a long-sleeved T-shirt while supplies last.
Delran Township has been hosting blood drives for the past five or six years. A blood donor can donate every 56 days, and the township does its best to hold drives according to this schedule, although 2020 has presented challenges in adhering to this timeline.
“We get a lot of repeat customers,” said Catrambone, who has his own 3 Gallon Pin from the Red Cross. Since one pint of blood can save up to three lives, Catrambone has personally impacted up to 72 lives with his donations.
Appointment time slots were a little more than halfway filled as of last week, and Catrambone expects – and hopes – the rest will fill by the day of the drive.
American Red Cross Communications Manager Alana Mauger called the pandemic a “rollercoaster” of blood supply for the Penn-Jersey region, although after a critically low point in March, the Red Cross has more or less been able to meet demand for blood since then. Finding community partners to host drives is critical to blood collection.
Big or small, Mauger said all community drives are important. The Red Cross is grateful for groups such as Delran Township for holding drives, and it hopes to find more hosts moving forward.
“We have no idea when this pandemic is going to end,” Mauger said, “and we just need to make sure patients are being taken care of.”
Catrambone remembers something his mother used to always say: “As long as you have your health.”
“Personally, I’ve always felt that the community needs to support the individual, and what better way than with potential health or life?” Catrambone mused. “It’s a great idea and it’s really something that’s as worthwhile as it gets.”
Those who want to donate can visit www.redcrossblood.org/give or email [email protected]. To inquire about helping to host a drive, visit www.redcrossblood.org/hostadrive.
