The American Red Cross was proud to partner together with 6abc to help share the importance of blood donation. Nearly 140 blood donations were collected last week during two Red Cross Month blood drives sponsored by 6abc (WPVI-TV). Drives were held on Thursday, March 25 at Vineland High School in Vineland, New Jersey and at the Courtyard by Marriott City Avenue in Philadelphia.

Leading up to the event, 6abc produced several segments about blood donation, including the need for diverse blood donors to help sickle cell patients and the collection and use of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 patients early in the pandemic.

Community Reporter Ashley Johnson reported live throughout the day from both locations, and several of the station’s employees came out to donate, including President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica.

If you would like to make an appointment to donate blood, 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.