By Alana Mauger

The American Red Cross and 6abc held their fourth annual Red Cross Month blood drive on March 27 in Philadelphia and South Jersey, collecting 238 units of blood to help patients in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

A steady stream of people – including 67 first-time donors – came out to give blood throughout the day at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and at the Collingswood Grant Ballroom and Scottish Rite Auditorium in New Jersey.

“To make sure we have a safe and stable blood supply is really critical,” said Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Jennifer Graham, who was on hand to thank donors in Philadelphia throughout the day. “The blood on the shelves today helps those who need it tomorrow.”

President and General Manager Bernie Prezenika was among the many 6abc employees who made time to donate.

“It’s a privilege to be able to donate and maybe help someone else who is in need,” said Prazenica. “We have a big metropolitan area with a lot of folks who have health issues. And I just think it’s important that we all do our part to try to help our neighbor.”

Since 2021, the annual drive has collected 734 units of blood.

“Donors look forward to this drive every year,” said Graham regarding the drive’s popularity. “They mark it on the calendars and come back year after year specifically for this event.”

6abc covered several stories leading up March 27 to help promote blood drive appointments.

One of those followed meteorologist Adam Joseph as he donated blood at Villanova University on March 12. It was the second time Joseph donated since the FDA updated its blood donor eligibility guidelines in 2023. 6abc covered Joseph’s first donation back on Aug. 7, 2023.

For another story, Bucks County couple Sue Lowenstein and John “Fish” Fisher shared how blood donations saved Fish’s life after he suffered a medical emergency while on vacation in Colorado in 2016.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.