Give The Gift Of Life By Donating Blood In Lower Merion

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA – The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now in the Lower Merion area to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.

The Red Cross is holding several drives in the Lower Merion area during the holiday season. They are:

• 11/24/2018: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge, 35 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore
• 11/29/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 36 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore
• 12/4/2018: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Bryn Mawr Hospital, 130 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr
• 12/5/2018: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Bryn Mawr Hospital, 130 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr
• 12/10/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Main Line Reform Temple, 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood
• 12/15/2018: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Memorial Church of God in Christ, 747 Buck Lane, Haverford

To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.

"This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it’s important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity," said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. "From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop for the holidays. People can give back – and help those in need – by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation now and hosting a blood drive in the weeks to come."

An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally – and approximately 150 in the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region – are needed in December, January and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.

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