People wanting to make a lifesaving difference in Burlington County have the chance to donate blood and platelets at a new American Red Cross Blood Donation Center. On March 11, Red Cross volunteers and employees, Senator Troy Singleton, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Delran Mayor Barnes Hutchins, supporters, and blood donors participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new blood donation center in Delran.
The new donation center is the fourth fixed site location in New Jersey for the Red Cross, joining the Pennsauken, Princeton and Fairfield donation centers. The new donation center in Delran is now collecting blood and platelet donations for patients, such as those battling cancer, accident victims, transplant recipients and those living with sickle cell disease.
“From mothers experiencing childbirth complications to those facing trauma situations in the emergency room, many of us may be connected to someone who has relied on lifesaving blood products,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “The Red Cross is pleased to offer donors this new opportunity to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients in need.”
Having a readily available blood supply is vital for patients whose survival depends on transfusions. Donating blood is essential to community health, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets at the Delran American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, donors can feel good knowing that they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends across the nation.
Platelets are the clotting portion of blood and are needed for many reasons, but they are primarily given to cancer patients. These tiny cells have a very short shelf life – just five days from the time they are donated – so there is a constant, often critical, need for new and current donors to give to keep up with hospital demand for platelets.
In addition to the Delran Blood Donation Center, individuals will also continue to be able to give blood at Red Cross blood drives across New Jersey.
Delran American Red Cross Blood Donation Center
5029 U.S. 130, Suite 450, Delran, New Jersey
Tuesday and Wednesday: 11:45 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
How to donate blood or platelets
Simply download the American 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 to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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