Blood Drives Set For Moorestown As Coronavirus Cases Spike

MOORESTOWN, NJ — The American Red Cross will hold two blood drives in Moorestown next month as coronavirus cases continue to spike in the region and nationwide.

The blood drives in Moorestown will take place as follows:

• 12/4/2020: 10 a.m. — 3 p.m., Converge Church, 802 N. Lenola Road
• 12/14/2020: 10 a.m. — 3 p.m., Virtua, 401 Young Ave.

As the country experiences a new surge in coronavirus cases, the Red Cross is becoming increasingly concerned about the nation’s blood supply, including that of convalescent plasma. A convalescent plasma donation collects plasma from coronavirus survivors because antibodies to the disease in their blood may help patients who are currently fighting the virus.

Increased hospitalization of patients with coronavirus this fall and winter has caused the Red Cross to distribute a record number of coronavirus plasma products to hospitals treating patients who are battling the virus.

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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 American Red Cross is teaming with country music star Martina McBride to remind residents that health pandemics don’t take a break for the holidays.

“If nobody has ever asked you to give blood before, I’m asking you to give blood — especially during this trying time,” McBride said.

Anyone who gives blood between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15 will get the chance to win an Outdoor Living Experience, powered by Propane, to enable a lucky winner to enjoy socially distanced celebrations with family and friends this holiday season. The prize includes a propane-powered pizza oven, fire pit, outdoor heater and stipend towards propane. It is being provided by Suburban Propane.

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.