Red Cross Blood Drive In Ocean City Set For Feb. 16

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Winter storms and flu are keeping people away from work and school, but are also forcing them to cancel their appointments to donate blood, according to the American Red Cross. Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to step in and donate blood where needed.

Ocean City residents can volunteer any time, but there is also a blood drive event scheduled for the Ocean City Tabernacle on Friday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Ocean City Tabernacle is located at 550 Wesley Avenue.

In 2018, severe winter weather forced the cancellation onf about 600 blood drives, resulting in more than 17,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Also, widespread flu across the U.S. has resulted in lower turnout at blood drives.

Blood and platelet donations are needed in the coming days to help replenish the blood supply and ensure patients continue to receive life saving treatments. Donors can help even more patients when they invite a loved one, friend or co-worker to give with them.

Make an appointment to donate this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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