RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Blood Services

  • Red Cross, Payton Manning huddle up for a lifesaving play this January

    By Biomedical Field Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Give blood. Win a Trip.

    This January, the American Red Cross and Pro Football Hall of Famer and blood donor Peyton Manning are asking people to score big for patients in need – while getting a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona – by giving blood or platelets.  

    The start of the new year marks National Blood Donor Month – a time to celebrate those who generously roll up a sleeve to keep blood products stocked for hospitals providing critical care. As the busy holiday season winds down and the threat of severe winter weather and seasonal illness cases continue to rise, January can be a tough time for donors to make and keep appointments.

    Step off the sidelines and resolve to donate blood or platelets. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. In partnership with the National Football League (NFL), those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Jan. 1-31, 2023, will be automatically entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona*, including access to day-of, in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare to Phoenix, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 10-13, 2023), plus a $500 gift card for expenses.

    To lead the offense against a potential winter blood shortage, Manning invites the public to join him in helping save lives. “If everyone does their part and we collectively commit to donating blood, we can stack up more wins for hospital patients who are counting on us. A single individual is certainly impactful, but a whole team of people coming together to donate has an even greater effect.”

    How 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. 

    Amplify your impact − volunteer!  

    Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.  

    Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.  

  • Red Cross and Dunkin’ team up to thank donors this January

    By Alana Mauger

    Jessica Weissman (left), field marketing manager, Dunkin’ Brands, presents an oversized voucher to Guy Triano, regional CEO, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania , and Helen Munizza, regional donor services executive, American Red Cross Penn Jersey Blood Services Region, on Jan. 5, 2023 in Philadelphia. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Local blood donors are in for a treat this National Blood Donor Month! Dunkin’ of Greater Philadelphia is once again teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide 20,000 vouchers to Red Cross blood donors in the region during January.

    To help encourage blood, platelet and plasma donations throughout January, presenting donors will receive a Dunkin’ voucher for a free Medium Hot or Iced Beverage* and a free Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap Sandwich**, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia area, while supplies last.

    Dunkin’ and the Red Cross celebrated the partnership Thursday with a special media event at the Philadelphia Blood Donation Center. The Dunkin’ Community Cruiser was on-site, handing out free samples of coffee and donuts to celebrate the partnership kickoff.

    “Winter weather and cold and flu season can impact our blood supply this time of year, said Guy Triano, CEO, Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania..“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Dunkin’ and encourage donors to give to help prevent a winter blood shortage.”

    Donors who give now can help stock the shelves for the rest of the winter season. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    “Dunkin’ is excited to once again team up with the American Red Cross and reward deserving blood donors this January” said Jessica Weissman, Senior Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin’. “We hope that by offering donors a free Medium Hot or Iced Beverage and Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap, Dunkin’ will help encourage the Philadelphia community to stop by a local blood drive or donation center and donate blood this winter.”

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    * NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. OFFER NOT VALID ON MOBILE APP ORDERS. Dairy alternatives, flavors, cold foam and espresso shots may be an additional charge. Limit one per customer per visit. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred or sold and where prohibited or restricted by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1 cent. Terms apply. Good at participating Dunkin’ locations in Kent and New Castle Counties, DE; Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, and Salem Counties, NJ; Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia Counties, PA. EXP: 2/10/23 

    ** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. OFFER NOT VALID ON MOBILE APP ORDERS. Limit one per customer per visit. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred or sold and where prohibited or restricted by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1 cent. Terms apply. Good at participating Dunkin’ locations in Kent and New Castle Counties, DE; Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, and Salem Counties, NJ; Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia Counties, PA. EXP: 2/10/23

  • National Blood Donor Month: Family of blood donors inspires first-time giver Steph Judge

    By Jenny Farley

    First-time blood donor Steph Judge. Submitted photo.

    Steph Judge comes from a long line of family members who have given blood over and over. “They donated from the time they could start giving,” she says. Her uncle, mother, brother, father and grandfather have all donated blood and for a while she was the lone holdout. “I was afraid I was going to pass out.”

    But that all changed when she walked into a blood drive at the fire house in Upper Gwynedd Township, her mind made up. She was ready to give for the first time ever.

    “My only regret is not trying it sooner.”

    Judge says the whole process from start to finish was easy. She signed up on the Red Cross Blood Donor app and felt immediately taken care of by the compassionate phlebotomist who looked after her.

    “I was very comfortable. I knew I was in good hands. The [phlebotomist] walked me through everything that was going to happen. Nothing hurt!”

    For Judge, giving blood is personal. She has fond memories of the Red Cross plaques and pins her father and grandfather earned from their years donating blood. The Red Cross collects 40% of America’s blood supply.

    Throughout his lifetime, her grandfather donated five gallons before he went from donor to recipient, needing blood transfusions during a kidney transplant. And her dad needed blood transfusions when he got sick from lung cancer.

    “They were both really great men. My dad really cared about everyone. If you needed something he was there and that’s part of why I wanted to donate because I knew it was something that he did and I wanted to carry on that legacy. The same with my grandfather. Pretty selfless men which you don’t find too often.”

    For Judge, being selfless runs in the family. She went into the medical field to help people, working as a physical therapy assistant.

    “We help people rehab from injury. We help them get back to where they were before.” The biggest challenge? “Reminding people that they need to keep going, even when they feel like things aren’t working. They need to just keep going.”

    Lately, Judge has been traveling more than ever. She has a love of hiking and checking out local wineries. One place she plans to go again… right back to donating. Judge has already signed up for her next blood and platelet donation and she is encouraging friends and coworkers to donate too.

    “I told them it wasn’t as scary as some people make it seem and it’s a really good thing to do for other people.”

    For more information on donating blood go to redcrossblood.org or sign up on the Red Cross Blood Donor app just like Judge did. Download the free app by texting BLOODAPP to 90999 or search “American Red Cross” in app stores. Your blood donation will save lives and you could be starting your next great family tradition.

  • Get in the giving spirit with the Red Cross

    By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Blood type letters A, B, AB and O in blue snowflakes.

    As the final holiday rush arrives, the American Red Cross asks donors to shake up their holiday plans and give blood or platelets now and throughout the end of the year.

    According to AAA, nearly 113 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, meaning many who may have otherwise given blood will likely defer their donation until the new year. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can’t take a holiday break. The need for blood and platelets is constant.

    It’s important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    As a thank-you, all who come to give Dec. 16-Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

    Amplify your impact − volunteer! 

    Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

    Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. 

  • Stacey Morris is grateful for blood and platelet donations

    By Alana Mauger

    Stacey Morris at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Horsham.
    Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    In March 2019, Stacey Morris made an appointment to see her doctor, concerned about feeling tired and noticing some unexplained bruises on her body. She had blood drawn as part of the exam. The next day, her doctor called with an alarming directive: go to the ER immediately.

    Stacey was admitted to the hospital and received 2 units of red blood cells and 1 unit of platelets. After months of testing, including a bone marrow biopsy, and more transfusions of both blood and platelets, Stacey was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia and borderline MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes – conditions that can occur when the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow become abnormal)

    “I can’t even explain the feeling when you don’t have enough blood in your body,” she said. “It’s like a dream state. Those transfusions made an immediate difference.”

    In total, Stacey received about 20 units of blood and 8 units of platelets. Because she had an adverse reaction to her initial platelet transfusion, she required HLA-matched platelets (human leukocyte antigens — proteins on most cells in your body) going forward. The American Red Cross helped by finding a donor that matched her needs. She shared that every time she needed a platelet transfusion, the Red Cross contacted that donor, who then scheduled a platelet donation specifically for her!

    “The Red Cross has literally saved my life,” she says each time she shares her story. “I wish I knew who my platelet donor was so I can thank them personally.”

    Stacey is two years into a process to “reboot” her bone marrow through medication. She’s currently on the lowest medication dose to date and recently underwent a second bone marrow biopsy to see if her bone marrow is functioning properly. If not, Stacey may undergo a bone marrow transplant. 

    About a year ago, she felt well enough to go back to work part-time as a dental assistant. She resides in Linfield, Pennsylvania with her husband and 3 teenage children.

  • Give blood ahead of hectic holiday weeks

    By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Give the gift of life.

    As more people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside a time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays.

    Throughout the season, several factors can disrupt the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients across the country.

    • Travel: According to a recent study, nearly half of Americans plan to travel over the holidays this year, which may negatively impact the blood supply if fewer people come out to donate.
    • Seasonal illness: The U.S. is seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, which can decrease the availability of healthy donors.
    • Weather: Parts of the country have already seen storms bring several feet of snow this year. Winter weather often leads to hazardous road conditions, canceling blood drives and making it dangerous for donors to venture out to give.

    It’s important for donors − especially type O blood donors and platelet donors − to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need through the end of the year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    As a thank-you, all who come to give blood through Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.* Those who come to give Dec. 16-Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

    Amplify your impact − volunteer! 

    Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

    Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. 

    *Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/together.

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why blood donations matter

    By Jackie Faiman

    Nearly half of all donated platelet donations go to cancer patients.

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and at the American Red Cross we add our voices to promote awareness of the impact of this disease. It is estimated that one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2022, a projected 287,500 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S alone, where the disease is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

    A diagnosis of breast cancer, overwhelming on its own, can trigger prolonged stress and grief, added to the challenge of seeking and undergoing treatment. Cancer patients benefit from a network of support. Whether or not someone close to you is struggling with breast cancer, you can still support the broader community of cancer patients in one key way: by donating blood. 

    Blood and platelet donations are important to breast–and all–cancer patients. Why? Cancer and its treatment can cause anemia (low red blood count levels), and chemotherapy can damage bone marrow and cause a drop in platelets. Both of these conditions are commonly addressed through blood transfusions. Thus, having access to adequate blood supply through transfusions can directly improve the health of cancer patients. 

    To find a blood drive near you, visit RedCrossBlood.org or download the Blood Donor App. With the App, you can actually track where your blood is sent.

    To learn more about resources for breast cancer treatment and support services, visit the links below:

    Since 1991, the National Breast Cancer Foundation has worked to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. The NBCF advocates for early screening and, through a network of medical facilities nationwide, provides free mammograms and diagnostic services for women in need through its National Mammography Program.

  • Red Cross laboratories and dedicated scientists play a vital role matching lifesaving blood for patients with sickle cell disease

    Written by Judith Weeks with Photography by Bill Thawley

    A person with Sickle Cell Disease can receive as many as 100 units of blood in one year. These blood transfusions are necessary to treat complications from this condition. But the transfusion itself can cause complications. Blood from a pool of donors is matched best as possible; however, a person with Sickle Cell Disease may develop an immune response making it more difficult to find donors. Most persons with Sickle Cell Disease are African American and the most compatible blood generally comes from African Americans.

    American Red Cross Laboratories in Philadelphia play a critical role typing blood donated by African Americans.

    The National Molecular Laboratory (NML) is the only American Red Cross Laboratory providing genotyping of donors. A person’s genomic DNA contains information that is a more comprehensive predictor of a close blood match than the usual serology typing. African American donors who are genotyped are given the opportunity for membership in the American Rare Blood Donor Program, a national initiative to ensure blood is available for those who need it.

    Dr. Margaret Keller, pictured below, Executive Director, National Laboratories, explained there is a shortage of African American donors. Last year the American Red Cross began the Sickle Cell Initiative to increase the number of active African American donors.

    Test tubes of donor’s blood are delivered to the NML for genotyping. Giancarlo Rendon, pictured below, examines a sample of DNA purified from whole blood.

    Below, Melissa Verstegen places tiny drops of donor’s DNA on a glass slide.

    Dr. Martin Chou, pictured below, Director of the NML, explains the MALDI TOF analyzer used for identification of DNA in each donor’s sample

    Below, Julia Nezhinsky places the slide with DNA into the MALDI TOF analyzer.

    Below, Daria Buono analyzes DNA data from the MALDI TOF analyzer identifying genes carried by a donor.

    The National Reference Laboratory for Specialized Testing (NRLST) has expertise for specialized serology. Serology is used for typing ABO and Rh blood groups. This laboratory takes serology a step further with a panel of antibodies for typing blood units from African American donors selecting the best donor for patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

    Below, Dexter Facey, Manager, places cartridges into an automated system for typing African American blood donors.

    The Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) is one of forty-five American Red Cross IRLs nationwide. This laboratory has the resources for red blood cell serology typing of rare blood types. It selects blood units from African American donors that best match a patient with Sickle Cell Disease.

    Below, Marie Dolce types blood units from African American donors.

    Below, Paul Mansfield, IRL Director, and Leslie Pride review blood typing results before releasing blood units sent to hospitals where patients are transfused.

    Paul explains “the American Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative has brought the entire organization together focusing on serving patients with Sickle Cell Disease.”

    The work of these laboratory scientists is critical! Lives are saved by advanced genotyping and serologic typing performed at the American Red Cross, allowing the best possible blood products for persons with Sickle Cell Disease.

    To learn more about sickle cell disease, check out the following links:

  • Turn over a new leaf; give blood or platelets this fall

    By Biomedical Field Communications

    On the first day of fall, the American Red Cross is asking the public to start the season off with a lifesaving blood or platelet donation. While the leaves turn, the need for blood never changes. Those who give this fall play an important role in keeping the blood supply high enough to help patients counting on blood products for care– especially ahead of the busy holiday season. Book a time to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    As a thank-you, the Red Cross is offering these exciting opportunities for donors:

    • All who come to give through Sept. 30 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience, including two tickets to a 2023 Sport Clips Haircuts-sponsored race of the winner’s choice, round-trip airfare for two, up to a three-night hotel stay, and entry to a Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent, if available, plus a $750 gift card, thanks to Sport Clips.
    • Those who come to give in September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, also thanks to Sport Clips. Details are available at rcblood.org/racetogive.
    • All who come to give Oct. 1-31, 2022, will receive a $5 e-Gift Card by email to a merchant of choice.

    How 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.

  • Tahirah Austin-Muhammad shares her sickle cell journey, advocates for healthcare equality

    By Alana Mauger

    Tahirah Austin-Muhammad. Submitted photo

    When Tahirah Austin-Muhammad was born in the late 1980s, testing for sickle cell disease in newborns was not a standard practice at many hospitals. So when her symptoms appeared at age 4 – tiredness, aches and pains, stomach aches – Tahriah’s parents treated it the only way they knew how – Tylenol, homemade rubs and lots of love.

    But when she started kindergarten, it became clear that something else was going on.

    “I loved to play, but it tired me out quickly. I couldn’t keep up with my peers physically,” she recalled. “Everything came to a head when I passed out at school. I stood up, walked to the door and blacked out.”

    Tahirah describes the situation as “being blurry” when she woke up, but she remembers feeling tired and being in so much pain that she couldn’t sit up. Her dad arrived at the school and drove her straight to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

    She was first diagnosed with leukemia, but then Dr. Kim Smith, a physician who specialized in sickle cell disease, took a second look at her lab work.

    “Sickle cell disease is often misdiagnosed. That’s why it’s important to have doctors who look like us,” Tahirah shared.

    That was her first sickle cell crisis at age 6, but it would be far from her last. Tahirah spent most of fourth grade hospitalized at CHOP.  Later her spleen, gallbladder and appendix were removed in the first of many major surgeries.

    Despite it all, she credits her parents and CHOP family for instilling in her the belief that there’s nothing she couldn’t do.

    “I ran track in eighth grade. I just had to take more breaks and hydrate a lot more,” she said.

    Pediatric vs adult care

    Tahirah earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Neumann University and has traveled the world. She has thrived in spite of her condition. But like all people living with sickle cell disease, her transition from pediatric to adult care was wrought with obstacles.

    “My first experience in an adult [emergency department], I sat there for over 10 hours. I cried. I called my social worker at CHOP and begged to come back,” she recalled. “She provided me with real-time advocacy – what to say to get the help I needed. It’s so stressful when you’re in a pain crisis.”

    In the U.S., sickle cell disease predominately affects people who are Black or Latino. Tahirah explains that it’s often seen as a childhood disease.

    “The goal pediatrics had was for us to survive to adulthood, but the adult side wasn’t ready for us,” she said. “There is racial bias and extreme inequities in health care. I realized there was a need for support for adults with sickle cell once I got into adult care. Too many of us were dying for preventable things.”

    Sickle cell advocacy

    In 2017, Tahirah co-founded the Philadelphia-based Crescent Foundation, whose mission is to support sickle cell survivors, families and communities with evidence-based research and advocacy. Among its initiatives, the foundation helps sickle cell patients ages 18-24 transition into adult care. It also provides case management to help patients and their families coordinate their medical and social service needs. Importantly, the foundation also educates the next generation of health care professionals about sickle cell disease.

    Tahirah admits that as her status, and the status of her fellow Crescent Foundation co-founders, changed in the city of Philadelphia, so did their access to quality health care.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tahirah was hospitalized for the first time in 6 years. She describes being put into triage within 5 minutes of arriving in the ER before being admitted for a lung infection. At the same time, in the same hospital where she was receiving compassionate treatment, a young woman was repeatedly calling the Crescent Foundation pleading for help because she had already been in the waiting room for 8 hours.

    “I felt helpless; the only difference was they recognized me. My care has changed, and it shouldn’t have,” she said. “Good, compassionate care should be given to everyone at all times.”

    The Crescent Foundation held a Red Cross Sickle Cell Awareness Month blood drive in 2021. Pictured (from left): La Valle Warren, Red Cross sickle cell account manager; Tahirah Austin-Muhammad, Crescent Foundation COO and co-founder; Jawanda Hargrove and Shaun Griggs, sickle cell patient advocates; and Ediomi Utuk-Lowery, Crescent Foundation chief marketing and communications officer and co-founder. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Blood donations help

    Like many sickle cell survivors, blood transfusions play an important role in Tahirah’s treatment – but it has to be the right match. Repeated blood transfusions over someone’s lifetime can cause a patient to develop a life-threatening immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own – something Tahirah has experienced more than once.

    In Philadelphia, blood from donors who self-identify as Black or African-American is marked with a blue tie tag, designating it as a potential match for a sickle cell patient. Extra tests are performed to ensure recipients receive the right blood.

    “I wouldn’t be sitting here today without someone with a good heart,” said Tahirah. “Thank you to whoever is donating blood, but we need so much more.”

     Visit our website to learn more about how blood donations help people living with sickle cell disease and the importance of maintaining a diverse blood supply for patients.