Target Gift Cards Offered To Donors At Lawrenceville Blood Drive

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Facing what it calls a “critical blood shortage,” the American Red Cross is offering a $5 Target eGiftCard for those who give blood between now and Aug. 31, the Red Cross announced this week. This includes the upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drive in Lawrenceville on Thursday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fortis Institute, 2572 Brunswick Pike.

“The blood supply is like a cell phone battery, it constantly needs recharging,” said Alana Mauger, external communications manager of the Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives and encourage those who haven’t to consider rolling up a sleeve and give the gift of life. It only takes about an hour but can mean a lifetime for patients.”

The Red Cross saw 61,000 fewer blood donations than needed nationwide in May and June. The shortfall was the equivalent of the Red Cross not receiving any blood donations for more than four days. This prompted the Red Cross to issue an emergency call out early in July, which was followed by a 30 percent increase in donations.

Despite this improvement, blood products are still being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, so more donations are needed to meet patient needs and replenish the blood supply, according to the Red Cross. Blood shortages can lead to delays in patient care.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

Patch file photo