RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Blood Services

  • ‘I Bleed For Preston & Steve’ kicks off summer blood donation season

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross Southeastern PA Interim CEO Jennifer Graham and Regional Donor Services Executive Helen Munizza with 93.3 WMMR’s Preston & Steve Morning Show. Photo by Elisabeth von Baldas/American Red Cross

    Nearly 18,000 units of blood and up to 50,000 patients helped – that’s the legacy, so far, of “I Bleed for Preston & Steve,” the largest annual American Red Cross blood drive in Southeastern Pennsylvania and among the biggest in the country.

    Preston Elliott and Steve Morisson donated blood at Live! Casino. Photo by Dave Skutnik/American Red Cross

    Growing from a small storefront drive in the former Franklin Mills Mall 17 years ago to a multi-location drive with live broadcasts, “I Bleed For Preston & Steve” helps kick off summer for patients in need of lifesaving blood and for fans of 93.3 WMMR and the Preston & Steve Morning Show.

    The 2022 drive, held at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Montgomery County, collected 959 units of lifesaving blood over 12 hours on June 24.

    “The Red Cross goal was 800 units, and we collected 959. I’d say that’s a tremendous success,” said Preston Elliott, announcing the results of the drive on-air on June 28. “That’s 181 more units than last year, way past what was expected.”

    While live broadcasts have been part of past drives, this was the first time the morning show itself broadcasted live from the Oaks blood drive location between 6-11 a.m. That show was followed by a live broadcast with Pierre Robert. Station DJs Brent Porche, Jacky Bam Bam and Sara hung out with donors at the Philadelphia location and called in to offer live updates.

    Nick McIlwain donates blood while live on the air. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    “It was really fun having us do the live broadcast from there,” said Nick McIlwain from the morning show, who donated blood while he was on-air. “People were being patient and having a good time.” Nick also stuck around to hang out with donors afterward. “It was a really good vibe having Pierre doing his show live from Oaks,” he added.

    Steve Morrison, of the Preston & Steve duo, added that the “Friday vibe” also worked in their favor, as the drive didn’t cut into people’s weekend plans.

    After finishing their show at Oaks, Steve and Preston headed to Live! Casino, where they donated blood. They’re both regular blood donors, not only at their drive, but throughout the year in the community.

    Steve and crew are already scheming for their 18th annual drive. “I’m thinking with COVID protocols released, there’s no reason we can’t blow this out of the water next year,” he said.

    Donors show off this year’s limited-edition Preston & Steve T-shirt. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    In 2019, prior to the pandemic, “I Bleed For Preston & Steve” collected more than 1,400 units of blood, setting a personal record and making it the largest single-day blood drive in the country that year.

    “We always want to break the record,” said Preston. “I’m hoping that next year, we can take it to the next level and get over 1,100.”

    Donors return year after year, in part, to the get a limited-edition Preston & Steve T-shirt. Many wear their shirts from years past as proof of their fandom and dedication to helping save lives. This year, donors also got a free tote bag, courtesy of Window Nation, and Everfresh provided complimentary juices in the blood drive canteen area. Recovery Centers of America sponsored the overall blood drive.

    Check out event photos in our Flickr album and on WMMR’s website.

  • Dive into ‘Shark Week’ and help prevent a blood shortage

    By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    The American Red Cross and Discovery are partnering for Shark Week and invite people to dive in to help save lives by giving blood or platelets in July. The Red Cross saw a steep drop in blood and platelet donations last month, and donors are asked to make appointments now to prevent a blood shortage this summer.

    In June, the Red Cross collected approximately 12% fewer blood donations than needed – one of the largest monthly blood donation shortfalls in recent years. When less people answer the call to donate, the blood supply shrinks – and that could mean blood products aren’t ready for hospital staff to reach for in emergencies.

    Thanks to Discovery, all who come to give blood or platelets in July will automatically be entered for a chance to win an exclusive Shark Week merchandise package that includes:

    Those who come to give July 21-24 will get an exclusive Shark Week T-shirt from Discovery, while supplies last. Details are available at rcblood.org/sharkweek.

    By making and keeping blood and platelet donation appointments in July, donors can connect with patients through a lifesaving gift. To book a time to give, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • Philadelphia attorney Terri Booker advocates for sickle cell awareness

    By Jackie Faiman

    Terri Booker shared her story during a press conference ahead of a sickle cell blood drive sponsored by Philadelphia Commissioner Omar Sabir in February. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Terri Booker was 11 when a routine blood test revealed that she had sickle cell disease (SCD), but even as a toddler she felt its pain. “It is like someone gripping your arm and twisting it in two opposite directions.”

    SCD affects approximately 100,000 in the United States. People with SCD have abnormally shaped hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to bodily tissues. The affected cells become crescent-shaped instead of rounded and are more likely to get stuck in blood vessels, obstructing blood flow. This can lead to severe pain, inflammation, and in extreme cases, tissue and organ death.

    Booker has struggled with periodic pain attacks, or crises, and has undergone regular transfusions, laser treatment on her eye, and hip surgery. “It’s a constant battle with your body,” she says. Through it all, she has learned and adapted. She knows to stay hydrated, to avoid extreme temperature or altitude changes, and to rest when she feels run down. If she takes a vacation, she makes sure there is a hospital nearby.

    SCD disproportionately affects people of African heritage, and Booker posits that this is one reason the disease is still poorly understood and under-resourced. Although all newborns in the U.S. are supposed to be screened for the disease—to develop SCD a baby must possess the sickle cell trait from both parents—many people are not diagnosed until there is a crisis. Many doctors are not well trained in what to look for and how to treat patients in crisis.

    Booker notes other challenges in identifying and addressing the disease. Bias can play a role; she tells of a Caucasian family where all three children were diagnosed with SCD, but only after repeated denials by their doctor, who believed it only presented in black people. Many SCD patients arrive at the emergency room seeking relief from severe pain, only to be received by a physician reluctant to dispense adequate pain medication.

    Now in her late 30s, Booker has harnessed her experience with SCD to serve as an advocate for greater public awareness of it. She helped lobby Congress to pass the Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2018 and advocates for expanded research and treatments. She emphasizes the importance of donating blood, that it can save the life of a person with SCD.

    Booker is optimistic, noting that the prognosis for a young person with SCD today is so much better than it was two generations ago. She urges people to learn more and seek resources and community for the disease through the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. “The pain is real, believe us,” she says, but adds, “I am hopeful that medicines will be created to make our everyday lives better.”

    Editor’s Note: June 19th is an important day for celebration and awareness. It marks Juneteenth, our newest federal holiday and a day of reflection and pride that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. It’s also World Sickle Day, established by the United Nations in 2008 and commemorated every June 19th to increase awareness about sickle cell disease – the most common genetic disorder in the U.S. 

  • Give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day

    By Alana Mauger

    Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives.

    Each year on June 14, the American Red Cross joins blood collection organizations around the world to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, which recognizes the importance of a safe and stable blood supply and the donors who make it possible. This year’s slogan draws attention to the important role voluntary blood donations play in saving lives and enhancing solidarity within communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on people around the globe to give blood during the month of June in a gesture of that solidarity.

    GET INVOLVED

    Nearly 2.5 million people volunteer to give lifesaving blood and platelets every year with the Red Cross. You can help:

    • Be a voluntary blood donor and an inspiration to others.
    • Commit to being a regular donor and give blood throughout the year.
    • Encourage your friends and family to become regular blood donors.
    • Volunteer with us to host a blood drive or serve as a Blood Donor Ambassador or Blood Delivery Driver.
    • Share info about World Blood Donor Day and blood donation on your social networks.

    SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

    Blood donations decline in late spring and early summer – especially during holiday weeks, like Memorial Day and Independence Day – but the need for blood and platelet transfusions doesn’t take a summer break. Generous blood and platelet donors are critically important in ensuring lifesaving care is available the moment patients need it. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • Blood donations needed ahead of summer

    By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    When schools and colleges let out for summer and families set off on vacation, the American Red Cross typically sees a decline in donors, which can impact patient care. It’s critically important that donors make an appointment to give now before heading out for summer activities to help maintain a stable blood supply in the coming months. 

    Unfortunately, the need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for patients with blood disorders, trauma victims and those experiencing difficult childbirths.

    In thanks for helping boost the blood supply, all who come to give through May 19, 2022, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and will also be automatically entered to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. Details are available at rcblood.org/camper. Those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive 20-ounce Red Cross aluminum water bottle and customizable sticker set, while supplies last.

    Donors can help save a life in just an hour. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, platelets or plasma, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • Q & A with ICU nurse and first-time blood donor Jennifer Shaw-Metz

    By Sanaya SinhaRoy

    Jennifer Shaw-Metz – Submitted photo

    Living in a community where medical resources come to us easily, it is easy for us to take advantage of the incredible support, supplies and assistance we get in hospitals. But imagine if all of those resources weren’t available to us anymore. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone is in need of blood. If blood was not accessible to those patients, they would lose the fight of their life.

    Jennifer Shaw-Metz is an ICU nurse and works with variety of different injuries, ranging from illnesses like cancer and infections to traumatic injuries such as car accidents or falls. In her work, she witnesses the lifesaving work of blood donations.

    Seeing the amount of blood that goes into saving patient lives, it’s upsetting to think about the prospect of a national blood shortage, like the one we experienced in January. Plus, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause worker shortages and supply chain problems, resulting in ongoing delays and disruptions.

    Jennifer wants to remedy the situation, even by a little. Here is what she said about her work as an ICU nurse and her take on donating blood.

    Q: As an ICU nurse, how many people do you see weekly in need of blood donation?

    A: In a given day, it is likely that at least one patient in our ICU is receiving a blood transfusion. They might be receiving 1 unit of blood product, or they could be receiving a mass transfusion of 20 or 30 or more units of blood products!

    Q: What motivated you to donate blood?

    A: I was well aware that the pandemic had created delays in healthcare and supply chain struggles in society. When I heard that blood products were also in short supply, I felt a very practical and clear tug on my heart that whispered: “If you have something that others need and you are able to share it, then you should do so,” and so I did.

    Q: How did you feel after the first time you donated blood?

    A: Physically I was surprised that I felt well- no signs of dizziness. Emotionally I was excited to know that I could be practically helpful in someones time of physical need. I had just learned that the Red Cross App would track my donation through the process, so I was also eager to learn where my blood would be sent.

    Q: What do you think would happen if there was a national shortage of blood?

    A: As an ICU nurse in the United States, I am aware that patients here have the luxury of available services that many others do not have. In many places in the world and during certain times or circumstances (like the pandemic), a patient may need a ventilator or a blood transfusion and a hospital may not have those to offer. But here in America, I am accustomed to seeing equipment, medications, procedures and blood readily available. The thought of NOT having a ventilator for a patient who needs it to live, or the thought of NOT having blood available when needed was morally distressing to me. A lack of available blood would certainly mean a cancer patient will lose the fight of their life. A lack of available blood would certainly mean that trauma patients will die unnecessarily from their injuries when we could have saved them. I have seen with my own eyes how blood products save or sustain life, and without the availability of blood products, someone’s wife or mother or child or friend or father will lose their life. 

    Q: What advice would you give to people who are hesitant to donate blood?

    A: I would encourage people to focus on the need of others above the difficulty for oneself. I have been needle-phobic all my life but I felt confident to take this step once I realized that giving a small amount of my day and a one time pinch could equal LIFE and HOPE for someone else, it really became an easy choice.

    Q: Is there any additional information you would like to share?

    A: For anyone donating for the first time I would encourage you to ask questions.  I asked a lot of questions about the process, and it helped me feel much more comfortable while I was at the donation center. Also, being able to track where my donation went was very meaningful for me- it gave a personal connection for me.

    To learn more about the blood donation process or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

  • Red Cross and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice: Giving blood is a simple act with a powerful impact

    By Biomedical Communications Team

    The American Red Cross, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and Suburban Propane have joined together to encourage communities to commit to a simple act with a powerful impact – giving blood or platelets for patients in need.

    This spring, it’s critically important the Red Cross maintains a readily available blood supply for those who rely on transfusions for treatment. Since donated blood has a limited shelf life, supplies must be constantly replenished to ensure a sufficient inventory of blood products. With no substitution for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for patients with sickle cell disease, car accident victims and parents experiencing difficult childbirths.

    As a blood donor himself, Jerry Rice urges individuals to roll up a sleeve and take pride in the lifesaving impact they’re making. “Here’s your chance to make a difference,” said Rice. “You never know who you might be helping. It could be a friend or family member who needs blood – and that’s why it’s so important.”

    As a thank-you, Suburban Propane is fueling a lifetime of road-tripping memories with a special opportunity for donors who answer the call to give power to patients. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma April 19-May 19, 2022, will be automatically entered to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. Plus, those who come to give will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, all courtesy of Suburban Propane.*

    “We are honored to join our longtime partners at the American Red Cross and football legend Jerry Rice to raise awareness about the need for blood this spring,” said Nandini Sankara, spokesperson, Suburban Propane. “This effort is a wonderful addition to our SuburbanCares initiative, aimed at giving back to our local communities throughout the nation, and we are delighted to sponsor the camper giveaway in hopes of motivating even more people to donate blood and give the gift of life.” 

    A simple act can lead to lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, platelets or plasma, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800–RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • Give blood during ‘National Minority Health Month’

    By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    April is National Minority Health Month — a time to raise awareness about health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority populations. The American Red Cross is reminding blood and platelet donors it’s critically important to maintain a stable blood supply this spring to support those with chronic illnesses and other blood needs in the U.S.  

    Blood transfusions remain one of the most critical treatments for patients like those living with sickle cell disease – the majority of whom are of African and Latin descent – and beta thalassemia major, which disproportionately affects those of Asian descent. Additionally, women who are Black are more likely than women who are white to experience severe postpartum hemorrhage, often requiring blood transfusion. To help ensure all patients have access to the blood products they count on, donors are urged to make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    As a thank-you, those who come to give through April 18 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who come to give April 19-May 19 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and will be automatically entered to win a new travel trailer camper that sleeps eight, all courtesy of our partners at Suburban Propane. (Terms apply, see rcblood.org/camper.)

    Health insights for donors  

    As a benefit to donors, the Red Cross provides vital health insights to help aid in awareness, prevention, early detection and monitoring for better health outcomes. All presenting blood donors receive a free mini-health screening with insights on pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin. Vital signs are recorded in the donor’s online profile where they can track and monitor their results via the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org and share the results with their health care provider. 

    Additional health details

    The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus after vaccination or past exposure, regardless of whether they developed symptoms.   

    Plasma from routine blood, platelet and plasma donations that have high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems.  

    The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose infection, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who have been asked to quarantine or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation until they are symptom free for 10 days and feeling well and healthy.  

    At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.     

    Donors can expect to receive antibody testing results and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.   

  • World Health Day 2022 links health and climate

    By Alana Mauger

    World Health Day, commemorated annually on April 7, is a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative designed to raise awareness about the overall health and well-being of people across the world.

    As we continue to cope with the impact of the pandemic, a polluted planet and increasing diseases like cancer, asthma and heart disease, this year’s theme – Our Planet, Our Health – focuses on the urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy.

    According to WHO, more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes, making the climate crisis the single biggest health threat facing humanity. For example:

    • Air pollution kills 13 people every minute due to lung cancer, heart disease and strokes.
    • Nine out of 10 people breathe polluted air as a result of burning fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas.
    • 2 billion people lack safe drinking-water globally.
    • 3.6 billion people lack safe toilets globally
    • 829,000 people die from diarrhoeal disease every year caused by polluted water and poor sanitation.
    • Tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year and is highly addictive. Furthermore, 600 million trees are chopped down to make 6 trillion cigarettes every year, decreasing the clean air we breathe.
    • Rising temperatures and floods caused by climate change will place an additional 2 billion people at risk of dengue infection.

    In the U.S., World Health Day is commemorated during National Public Health Week (April 4-10), sponsored by the American Public Health Association. This year’s overall theme – Public Health is Where You Are – is broken down into daily themes that address public health issues like racism, accessibility, climate change and mental wellness.

    The American Red Cross offers a data repository of demographic, humanitarian crisis and safety, and other health data as part of its Public Health and Safety Initiative. Currently, the repository focuses on factors that affect hemoglobin and platelet concentration, as well as aspects of blood safety.  Click on the links above or visit RedCrossBlood.org to learn more.

  • 6abc Red Cross Month blood drive helps rebuild blood supply

    By Alana Mauger

    The second 6abc blood drive was held on March 30 in the Fairmount Ballroom at Courtyard by Marriott on City Avenue. Donn Greenberg/American Red Cross

    For the second year, 6abc partnered with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive during Red Cross Month. Over 150 people came out to donate at the drive, which was held on March 30 at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. The drive collected 142 units of blood – nearly double the units collected in 2020.

    6abc General Manager Bernie Prazenica talks with Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano and 6abc Vice President-Community Engagement Niki Hawkins while donating blood. Dave Skutnik/American Red Cross

    “This is our second year of doing the blood drive, and last year was actually my first time [donating blood],” said Bernie Prezenika, 6abc general manager, who made his second donation on March 30. “We’re part of our community and we’ve taken great pride in supporting our community. There’s a need for blood that exists all the time, and right now it’s even more.”

    Many 6abc employees came out to donate, including News Director Tom Davis, Assistant News Director Christine Bowley, Producer Stephanie Kirk and Reporter Trish Hartman, among others. Guy Triano, CEO for the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, was also on hand to thank donors.

    “There’s no substitute for blood donations; we rely on the donations of individuals who roll up their sleeves and help save a life,” said Triano.

    Reporter Beccha Hendrickson reported live throughout the drive and spoke with many of those donors who generously rolled up their sleeves. She also produced several pieces leading up to the drive to build awareness about the need for donations.

    For one of her stories, she spoke with Stacey Morris, a Montgomery County resident who has received around 20 blood and platelet transfusions after being diagnosed with acquired aplastic anemia in 2019.

    Speaking directly to blood donors, Morris said, “Don’t be afraid to [donate]. Even if you’re scared, you have no idea how much it helps. I was so touched by the number of people who stepped up. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me on this journey, especially the Red Cross.”

    6abc Reporter Beccah Hendrickson interviews blood and platelet recipient Stacey Morris at the Red Cross Horsham Blood Donation Center prior to the 6abc blood drive. Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Hendrickson also spoke to Crescent Foundation COO Tahirah Austin-Muhammad, who regularly receives blood transfusions to treat sickle cell disease – an inherited blood disorder that primarily impacts communities of color. Patients who receive many transfusions over a lifetime, like those with sickle cell disease, need blood that is more closely matched to avoid a life-threatening reaction. The more donations collected from a diverse pool of donors, the more likely a match can be found.

    “There’s life in your blood, literally,” said Austin-Muhammad.   

    In addition to the recipient stories, Hendrickson covered a blood drive at Chester County Hospital on March 15 to help promote appointment registrations for the 6abc drive.

    Check out our full photo album from the 6abc drive on Flickr.

    Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer Randy Miller donates blood at the 6abc blood drive.
    Alana Mauger/American Red Cross