3 Blood Drives In Cherry Hill Next Month

CHERRY HILL, NJ — The American Red Cross will host three blood drives in Cherry Hill in September as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The blood drives will take place as follows:

• 9/11/2019: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, 2201 Chapel Ave. West;
• 9/11/2019: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, 2201 Chapel Ave. West; and
• 9/15/2019: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Temple Beth Sholom, 1901 Kresson Road.

The National Cancer Institute estimated that more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. would be diagnosed with cancer last year. Childhood cancer patients may need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications, according to the Red Cross.

Cancer and cancer treatments can put patients at risk for low red blood cell and platelet counts. Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, lowering the production of red blood cells and platelets.

Cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma attack the bone marrow as well. Blood and platelet transfusions can enable patients to receive critical treatments needed to fight and survive cancer.
Platelet donors and blood donors of all blood types are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a summer blood shortage.

Anyone who makes a donation between Aug. 30 and Sept. 3 will receive a unique Red Cross canvas tote bag, while supplies last.

Make an appointment to donate 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. Blood drives are also essential in helping ensure blood is available for patients this winter. To learn more and sign up to host a blood drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.