Westfield Friends School In Cinnaminson Hosts Blood Drive Nov. 17

CINNAMINSON, NJ — The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in Cinnaminson the day after Thanksgiving, as it urges healthy donors of all blood types to band together to give blood or platelets and help ensure a stable blood supply for patients this holiday season.

The traditional slump in blood donations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s comes as the blood supply already faces challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic, the American Red Cross said. Required medical treatments and emergencies don’t pause for the holidays or a widespread coronavirus outbreak.

The blood drive will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at Westfield Friends School, 2201 Riverton Road in Cinnaminson. Those who donate will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, courtesy of Suburban Propane, while supplies last.

To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

The Red Cross is also testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for coronavirus antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor's immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, even if that person didn't show any symptoms. Test results will be available within a week or two. A positive result doesn't mean the donor has the coronavirus.

Anyone who is identified as having coronavirus antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from coronavirus survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.