Red Cross Blood Drives Set For Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Two American Red Cross Blood Drives have been announced for Gloucester Township as the organization launches a new campaign to recruit new blood donors.

Donation events will take place in the Blackwood section of the township as follows:

June 14: 2 p.m. — 7 p.m., Gloucester Township Senior Campus, 405 Woodbury Turnersville Road
July 5: 1:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Our Lady of Hope Parish, 701 Little Gloucester Road

During the Missing Types campaign, the letters A, B and O – the main blood groups – will disappear from brands, social media pages, signs and websites to illustrate the critical role every blood donor plays, the American Red Cross announced on Monday. When the letters A, B and O vanish from everyday life, the gaps are striking. And when A, B and O blood types are missing from hospital shelves, patient care could be impacted.

“Unfortunately, blood shortages still happen and the number of new Red Cross blood donors is shrinking each year,” Red Cross Blood Services Senior Vice President Cliff Numark said. “That’s why the Red Cross is asking those who have never donated blood and those who haven’t given in a while to make a lifesaving donation. You are the missing type patients need.”

A recent survey, conducted on behalf of the Red Cross, revealed a disconnect between the public’s perception of blood donations and the realities of patient transfusion needs. Namely:

• Three-quarters (74 percent) of the public underestimate how frequently blood transfusions occur.* Most people perceive blood is needed in the U.S. every 15 minutes or even every hour or two hours when in fact, every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood.
• Nearly half of the public (45 percent) know someone who has been helped by a blood transfusion.* Yet only three percent of the U.S. population donates each year.
• More than one-third (35 percent) of the public has never considered that blood may not be available when they or a loved one need it.* Blood shortages are not uncommon in the United States and can only be prevented when more people roll up a sleeve to give.
• More than half (53 percent) of the public believe they need to know their blood type to donate.* Good news – Potential blood donors do not need to know their blood type before giving blood. After individuals give blood, the Red Cross provides each donor their blood type. By joining the #MissingType movement, donors can find out their blood type this summer.

Outside of the Gloucester Township events, potential donors can make appointments to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/MissingTypes, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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