Burlington County is ready to do its part to help the American Red Cross address the worst blood shortage in over a decade.
The Burlington County Commissioners are partnering with the Red Cross to hold a blood drive March 1 at the Burlington County Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton.
The drive is from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson said the county regularly hosts blood drives for employees at the Human Services Building but that the extreme need prompted the Commissioners to invite the public to come and donate as well.
“The Red Cross is facing a real crisis and that hospitals are now forced to delay some medical treatments because of the blood shortage,” said Hopson, who is the Commissioners’ liaison to the Health Department and Department of Human Services. “Given the extreme need, we’re asking all county residents who are able to please roll up a sleeve and become a donor.”
Those who gives blood at the drive will receive a $10 e-gift card from the Red Cross. They will also be entered for a chance to win a trip to the 2022 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
The American Red Cross has said they’ve seen a 10 percent drop in blood donations across the country during the pandemic and that some locations may have less than a one-day supply of some critical blood types.
Those who are unable to make it to the county blood drive are encouraged to visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/red-cross-national-blood-shortage-crisis.html to look for another blood drive or donation site.
“Burlington County is a great place to live because of the people who live and work here. Time and again they have stepped up to help their neighbors and communities when we’ve needed them the most,” Hopson said. “Now is another one of those moments and I’m confident our county employees and residents will help the Red Cross during this period of crisis.”
