Blood Donation - American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region
If you had an hour of free time, how would you use it?
Going grocery shopping, watching your favorite reality show, chatting online with friends, or cleaning out the refrigerator? There are a lot of activities that can be done in 60 minutes. But there’s only one hour-long activity you can do that saves lives: donating blood.
Each and every day, blood is needed for trauma and accident victims, heart surgeries, organ transplants, and treatments for leukemia, cancer, and other diseases. Since blood cannot be manufactured or substituted, hospitals and patients rely on the generosity of blood donors to provide this lifesaving gift.
In the Philadelphia area, you can donate blood through the American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region. Each week, the Penn-Jersey Region operates nine community centers and more than 200 blood drives at local businesses, organizations, and schools throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.? So most likely there is a location near your home or work!
Although blood donations are needed throughout the year, there are certain times when the available supply becomes dangerously low. In particular, blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to holidays, travel schedules, illness, and bad weather. It is important for donors to make and keep their appointments during this critical time because it can affect patient care.
However, no matter what the time of year, the American Red Cross encourages the public to include regular blood donation in their schedule and to ask their family, friends, and co-workers to give the gift of life.
Giving blood is easy, safe, and truly makes a difference in patients’ lives. Most healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Donors must bring appropriate identification such as a driver’s license or an American Red Cross donor card. To make an appointment at a blood drive or donor center closest to you, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit http://www.pleasegiveblood.org.
One hour of your time equals three lives saved. Please, make time on your schedule this month to donate blood. It can be the most rewarding hour you spend!
Blood Donation Facts
American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region.
1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543)
http://www.pleasegiveblood.org
