Opportunities abound for residents to make a difference by donating blood
Many consider donating blood and platelets to be one of the most effective ways to make a positive impact in today’s society. On August 24 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Eileen Abbott Central Administration Building, 206 East Holly Ave., Sewell, the Washington Township Education Foundation will be hosting a blood drive.
Alana Mauger, communications manager for Red Cross Blood Services for the Penn-Jersey region, said that this drive is coming at a critical time because the Red Cross issued an emergency appeal for blood on July 9.
“This is because we have fallen below the level of having a five-day supply of blood products at area hospitals,” Mauger said. “We are calling on anyone who would consider donating or who has donated in the past to donate now. Patients urgently need blood products.”
Summer has always been arduous for blood collection, according to Mauger. “It’s really critical. We want to host drives so it’s as convenient as possible to give,” she said. “We rely on our community sponsors to step up and host drives. It’s so important right now.”
The Penn-Jersey region incorporates all of New Jersey, all of Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. The community sponsors are paramount in assisting drive donations.
Currently, there is a dire need for all blood types. Mauger said types O+ and O- are especially needed.
“There’s no substitute for donated blood. Blood can’t be manufactured,” Mauger said. “The reality of it is (if supplies drop lower) hospitals will have to start possibly allocating where the blood products can go to who is most critical. We are not there and we hope not to be there, but that’s the reality. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
As if saving lives isn’t enough motivation, donors will receive a coupon for a free medium Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee and a classic donut along with a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email.
WTEF president Charlie Doud is excited about the upcoming blood drive.
“The Washington Township Education Foundation is pleased to host this blood drive as a benefit to both the American Red Cross and to our WTHS seniors,” Doud said. “We have learned that donations often slump in the summer months. In fact, the Red Cross currently is facing an emergency blood shortage and has issued an urgent call for eligible individuals of all blood types, especially type O, to give now and help save patient lives. Hospitals are canceling and postponing surgeries due to this critically low inventory, so our event is coming at a crucial time. We urge members of our community to roll up their sleeves for this lifesaving cause.”
To double down on the importance, Mauger said that every donation can save up to three lives.
There is an American Red Cross free donor app available from any app store which gives users the ability to access all of the same information and features as the internet. “It’s just a little more convenient if people are on their mobile,” Mauger said.
If you are unable to make this blood drive don’t fret — there are more coming to the Washington Township area:
- Aug. 27 Congregation B’nai Tikvah-Isreal, 115 East Holly Avenue, Sewell from 2 to 7 p.m.
- Sept. 4 Active Fitness, 309 Fries Mill Road, Sewell from 2 to 7 p.m.
- Sept. 5 Chick-Fil-A, 621 Woodbury-Glassboro Road, Sewell from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 6 American Red Cross Gloucester County Chapter, 3 Parke Place Boulevard, Sewell from 2 to 7 p.m.
- Sept. 12 ManorCare Health Services, 378 Fries Mill Road, Sewell from 2 to 7 p.m.
- Sept. 26 McGuinness Community Care, 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell from 2 to 7 p.m.
Potential donors must be at least 110 pounds, in good health and feeling well. It is best to eat iron-rich foods, hydrate and rest well before donating. For more information on donating, visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.
