The American Red Cross has opened a new Blood and Platelet Donation Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, the first one in Bucks County. Blood donors at the new fixed site can make whole blood, platelet, plasma and Power Red donations.

The center is located at 100 North Bucks Town Drive in Suite 204. There is plenty of free parking.

Jeff Rowlands, who retired three years ago, was the first donor on the schedule for an opening day platelet donation. He started donating whole blood in high school.

“Later on, my brother had a blood disorder, so I gave to support that,” he said. His late brother Doug had to undergo transfusions throughout his illness.

Jeff has donated platelets for the past few years and said it makes him feel good to help people by giving.

“I think this is my 17th time this year because you can give every two weeks.”

Andree Baylor-Lloyd is the fixed site director for the Northeast Division who has worked for the Red Cross for 35 years. She called the new center “lovely” and “busy” and was thrilled that all 38 available appointments were filled on opening day.

“That’s very exciting for us!”

Platelet donations can only be made at fixed sites. The Langhorne Blood Center has 12 available appointments each day for platelet donors.

Platelets are tiny cells that help blood clot. Nearly half of all donated platelets go to help cancer patients who often require a transfusion before receiving treatment like chemotherapy.

“I believe that we do extend life and we help those who are going through a troubling time until doctors can find a cure,” Andree said.

The need for platelets is constant because they must be transfused within five days of the donation.

Like Jeff Rowlands, Gary LaSasso is a regular platelet donor. He began after his young cousin was diagnosed with Leukemia four years ago. Gary has donated platelets 18 times, for the past four years in a row.

“Today specifically was to christen this new beautiful facility.” He said, “It’s awesome.”

Gary was happy with the convenience of the new Blood Donation Center and gave a special shoutout to two familiar blood collectors who were working on opening day. He knew them from his time giving blood in Horsham.

“The wonderful Courtney and Keisha.”

Courtney Williams has worked for the American Red Cross for seven years, the past five as a phlebotomist.

“I love it. I wouldn’t do anything else,” she said.

Her favorite part of the job is talking with donors, especially frequent donors like Gary, and she said, “I love sticking.” That’s inserting the needle.

Phlebotomist Keisha Gowe likes that part too. She has worked for the Red Cross for about six years and said she enjoys meeting new donors and getting to interact with them. Keisha had great things to say about opening day at Langhorne. “It’s going well. People are coming out, so it’s nice to see.”

Whole blood donor Jennifer Waite is a sales trainer who has started hosting blood drives at her company’s Chicago office. She donated blood in memory of her aunt Joan who died in a skiing accident and was a frequent blood donor.

“It’s probably one of the only selfless things that you can do for another person. You get back from it the good feeling of helping someone.”

Along with their daughter, Jennifer’s parents Gary and Joy also donated on opening day.

“We’re happy that they opened this center so close to us!” Joy said.

Linda Haft is a retired teacher who began giving years ago at the encouragement of her husband. She said he has donated at least 20 gallons.

Linda donated whole blood and plans to make the new Langhorne location her go-to place to give blood from now on.

“This is gorgeous. This place is beautiful. These chairs are comfortable, and the lighting is nice and bright for the workers. It’s nice to have a permanent home,” she said.

The new Langhorne Blood and Platelet Donation Center is open:
Tuesday & 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.

The center is closed Monday, Friday and Sunday.

To keep up with the constant need for blood products, the Langhorne location is one of four new blood donation centers the Red Cross has built in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Blood donors can also still help save lives at Red Cross blood drives across Bucks County.

Make an appointment to donate blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross donor app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. That’s 1-800-733-2767. You can also enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or get more information.

- Written by Jenny Farley