RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Blood Services

  • Severe blood shortage: Donors needed now to address delays in patient care

    The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise– and deplete the nation’s blood supply. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.

    3 easy ways you can help restock the shelves: 

    1. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  
    2. Let your friends and family know there is a severe blood shortage.
    3. Invite someone to donate with you.

    As a thank-you, those who come to give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Click for additional information and details.)

    “When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Guy Triano, regional CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”

    In addition to trauma needs, there is a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs. As a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled, so it must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.

    Don’t wait – make your appointment to donate.

  • The Rewards of Blood Donation, from a Longtime Donor

    By Maria Marabito

    June 14, Flag Day, is marked on most Americans’ calendars. But did you know that June 14 is also World Blood Donor Day? This observance, a joint initiative of the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, was created in 2005 for two reasons: to raise awareness of the global need for blood, and to thank blood donors for their lifesaving gifts.

    Blood donation is a selfless, honorable act. Blood can’t be manufactured; it can only come from volunteer donors. This year’s theme is “Give blood and keep the world beating.” In the United States alone, about 6.8 million people donate lifesaving blood. Christina McCarthy is one of them.

    McCarthy, a clinical assistant at a pain management office, has been giving blood regularly with the Red Cross for about six years now. Like many blood donors, she was inspired to do her part because of a family connection. Her grandfather, who passed away in 2013, had heart issues that landed him in the hospital on a regular basis. He received many transfusions as part of his care, which motivated McCarthy and her family to start donating themselves.

    Photo courtesy of Christina McCarthy

    McCarthy’s mother was the first in the family to get the ball rolling. Once Christina began working in the medical field, she realized just how important — and how easy— blood donations are. Her sister and some coworkers have since donated as well. 

    “I recruited a couple of coworkers for the last blood drive I went to; two women went with me, and now they’re starting to do it on a semi-regular basis as well,” McCarthy says.

    The feel-good rewards are immediate, and you’ll be plenty pleased with yourself. But for an extra shot of satisfaction, you can actually find out where your blood donation went: Just use the Red Cross blood donor app. “I like how the Red Cross  tells you when they’ve processed your blood, and they send you an email telling you where it’s going. I think that’s really helpful,” McCarthy says. “I know my last couple of donations have gone to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, so that makes me feel really good.”

    The app not only allows you to schedule your donations but also keeps track of them and lets you know when it’s safe to donate again. “I donate every time my app reminds me, so every 48 days or something like that,” McCarthy says. [Editor’s note: you can donate whole blood every 56 days.]

    If you’re nervous, McCarthy insists that the needles aren’t bad at all. (New, sterile needles are used and discarded after one use.) You’ll even be given a free mini-physical at your appointment — temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin — to ensure that you’re healthy enough to donate that day. But don’t go on an empty stomach: McCarthy says she passed out the first time, because she didn’t eat enough beforehand. (She recommends a large meal.) That didn’t stop her from going again and turning it into a routine. 

    Why give blood? “It is one thing you can do that can literally save someone else’s life, and it’s free for you to do and it takes not even a half hour, so why wouldn’t you do it?” McCarthy says.  [Editor’s note: please allow for 1 hour when you schedule a blood donation appointment.]

    In fact, a single donation can potentially save up to three lives.  

    And in case you were wondering, the pandemic hasn’t stopped the Red Cross from collecting blood. “They’ve been doing a good job at staggering the appointment times so there aren’t too many people at once. It definitely wouldn’t stop me from donating,” McCarthy says.

    There are four blood and platelet donation centers and many blood drive collection sites within the five counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Finding a location and time is easy: Just use the Red Cross’s online blood drive finder. You can also use the Red Cross blood donor app to schedule and manage appointments. Depending on the type of donation (whole blood, power red, or platelet), you can donate as often as every 56 days. Today’s your day to save a life… or three!

    Primary image description: an illustration, with the American Red Cross logo above the words “World Blood Donor Day” in white letters on a dark blue background. Next to the logo and words is a bright red drop with a water-color rendering of the world inside it.

  • Brett Keibach, Accident Survivor, Gives Back

    By Alana Mauger

    Brett Keibach volunteers at the 6abc American Red Cross Blood Drive on March 25, 2021 at the Courtyard by Marriott on City Avenue in Philadelphia. Photo by Dana James

    American Red Cross volunteer Brett Keibach knows a thing or two about blood. He’s not only a regular blood donor but also a blood donor ambassador—a volunteer who greets and assists donors at blood drives. But Brett’s knowledge of blood runs much deeper.

    Blood helped save Brett’s life when he was a child. And now, at age 29, he is committed to giving back as much as possible.

    “I’m grateful and lucky to be here,” he said at a recent blood drive in Philadelphia. “It’s important to me to return something.”

    When he was in fifth grade, Brett was hit by a car and suffered life-threatening injuries. The accident shattered both of his legs and caused head trauma, among other serious damage. He was flown by helicopter to Hershey Medical Center, where he spent more than a year.

    “At one point, my parents were told that I probably wouldn’t live,” Brett said.

    But live he did. Brett is thankful to all the people and resources that helped make his recovery possible—from the outstanding medical care he received, to the generous blood donors who provided lifesaving transfusions, to the Ronald McDonald House that gave his family a place to stay.

    Today Brett lives by the motto “give back, work hard.” In addition to his Red Cross work, Brett volunteers with Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief nonprofit. He also runs half marathons. That’s pretty inspiring for a guy who broke both femurs as a kid.

    Most recently, Brett and a team of Red Cross volunteers have been supporting COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts at various sites in Southeastern Pennsylvania. These volunteers are greeting people, providing directions and information, and handing out water and snacks.

    “I feel like I have a reason to be here. It’s to give back,” Brett says.

    O so needed

    When a patient arrives at a hospital, it’s the blood already on the shelf that saves a life. Having type O negative blood on hand is especially critical for trauma patients. As the universal blood type, it can be transfused to all patients, saving the medical staff precious time when seconds count. This Trauma Awareness Month, you can help ensure blood is there when it’s needed by scheduling an appointment to donate.

    Volunteer With Us

    The vital work of the Red Cross is made possible by people like Brett who share their passions and talents with us. The Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania is actively recruiting volunteer drivers and blood donor ambassadors to support blood drives, but many other positions are available to match your interests and skills. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

  • The American Red Cross Celebrates 140 years of Service, Innovation and Hope

    By Judith Weeks

    Clara Baron, the founder of the American Red Cross, once said: “The Red Cross is a part of us – it has come to stay – and like the sturdy oak, its spreading branches shall yet encompass and shelter the relief of the nation.”

    Clara Barton selflessly dedicated her life to alleviate suffering. At the beginning of the Civil War, she worked at the U.S. Patent Office. As the war intensified, she quit her job to nurse the wounded, and collect bandages and supplies, then courageously went to the front lines where soldiers recognized this hero, calling her “Angel of the Battlefield”. In 1869, Barton traveled to Switzerland where she learned about the International Red Cross that grew out of the Geneva Convention. Understanding its potential benefits to Americans, she lobbied for support. On May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross was established with Barton as President.

    Now, following Barton’s humanitarian mission for 140 years and counting, the American Red Cross provides shelter and comfort to those who have been affected by a disaster; supports the military, their families, and veterans; teaches first aid skills to save lives; and collects 40% of the nation’s blood supply.

    Service

    During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Red Cross adapted its procedures to deliver its life-saving services safely, both for volunteers and for those receiving them. Shelters are now in hotels, and boxed lunches are served to ensure social distancing. Contact-free disaster assistance in the form of a debit card is often transferred between volunteer and recipient across the hood of a Red Cross vehicle. At COVID-19 vaccination sites, volunteers help with registration and pass out snacks and water in the recovery area.

    Innovation

    Today, the Red Cross is leveraging technology, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, and artificial intelligence to deliver services. Red Cross Mobile Apps and voice-enabled skills/action tools, downloaded to mobile devices from Apple, Amazon, and Google stores, provide expert advice for first aid and disaster relief after earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. Locating blood drives and making appointments can be made with Alexa and Google.

    Hope

    During the pandemic, volunteers cannot give hugs, but with social distancing, they still bring a smile and ear to listen. Disaster Volunteers of the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the Red Cross, trained in COVID-19 safety procedures, are ready when called to a local house fire or deployed nationally to floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, giving immediate help for recovery. Dedicated blood donors give life-saving blood and COVID-19 survivors give convalescent plasma to help patients who need it. Others generously donate dollars to support the Red Cross.

    The American Red Cross will continue its work through the 21st century and longer, adapting services to meet humanitarian needs, using technology for the delivery of services and communication, and always bringing hope and peace to those who are suffering.

    Learn how you can get involved and be part of the Red Cross mission at RedCross.org.

  • Trauma Awareness Month: Let’s talk blood

    By Alana Mauger

    When accidents happen, it’s often the actions we take beforehand – like donating blood and learning first aid – that can help save lives. During Trauma Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to prepare for the unexpected.

    Donate Blood

    When a trauma patient arrives at a hospital, it’s the blood already on the shelf that saves his/her/their life. And in major trauma situations, like car accidents, a single patient can require as many as 100 transfusions. Having O negative blood on hand is especially critical for trauma patients. As the universal blood type, it can be transfused to all patients, saving the medical staff precious time when seconds count.

    The Red Cross strives to collect more than 13,000 blood donations of ALL blood types every day across the country, including an average of 600 donations daily right here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. You can help by scheduling an appointment to donate blood today.

    Stop the Bleed  

    The Red Cross is a proud sponsor of  EMS Week 2021 (May 16-22), and May 20 is National Stop the Bleed Day, a call to action for people to get trained on how to stop traumatic bleeding. According to the Stop the Bleed Coalition, approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, with hemorrhage being the most common cause of preventable death in a trauma.   

    The Red Cross encourages you to take three steps to help save a life:

    • Get a Kit – A variety of bleeding control, first aid and training kits are available for purchase in the Red Cross store.
    • Take Action – If you see someone with life-threatening injuries, call 9-1-1, then follow the steps you learned in your first aid training.

    Take an immediate action now by downloading the free Red Cross First Aid App.

  • PHOTO GALLERY: Red Cross partners with 6abc to host blood drives

    Nearly 140 blood donations were collected last week during two Red Cross Month blood drives sponsored by 6abc (WPVI-TV). Drives were held on March 25 at the Courtyard by Marriott City Avenue in Philadelphia and Vineland High School in Vineland, New Jersey.

    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.

    Check out our blood drive photo gallery below.

    Photos are by Dana James (Philadelphia) and Diane Concannon (Vineland).

  • When giving blood means giving hope and time

    By: Alana Mauger

    Michael Greenberg and his daughters (from left) Alexis and Olivia pose for a photo at the first Alison’s Avengers blood drive on Feb. 14, 2020 in the gymnasium at Warwick Elementary School in Jamison, Pennsylvania. This photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    For many, rolling up a sleeve to give blood takes on new meaning once you’ve seen the impact it can have for patients and their families. Bucks County father of two Michael Greenberg can attest to this experience. When his wife Alison was battling leukemia, blood transfusions gave them more time together.

    Alison spent a year and a half in and out of hospitals, undergoing treatments that included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. 

    “With almost every treatment, Alison needed a blood transfusion. Blood donations can give families more time together,” Michael shared.  

    Alison lost her battle with leukemia in September 2019, just 17 days before her 40th birthday. 

    Michael is grateful for that extra time he and his daughters Alexis and Olivia, ages 22 and 11, had with Alison. He now donates blood every 56 days to help provide hope and time for other patients and their families. But donating blood himself wasn’t enough.

    In 2020, Michael partnered with American Red Cross to host the first Alison’s Avengers blood drive – a love letter to Alison held on Valentine’s Day, her favorite holiday. Michael hopes it will become a Valentine’s Day tradition.

    “What better way to celebrate a love day than to give blood?” he asked.

    Over the past two years, Alison’s Avengers made 112 blood donations. And since each donation can help up to three people, as many as 336 patients may get more time with their loved ones as a result. 

    “I think [Alison] would be proud,” Michael said. 

    Blood drive hosts needed

    Hosting a blood drive is a rewarding experience that can help hundreds of patients. The Red Cross urgently needs sponsors to host blood drives throughout the spring and summer. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.

  • Celebrating the Achievements of Professional Black Women

    Each February, the nation and the American Red Cross celebrate Black History Month. All this month here on the Red Cross Philly blog we honor our Black colleagues that are part of our local Red Cross team. We invited them to be guest bloggers to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our diverse team here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this blog post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. To learn more about Diversity and Inclusion values at the Red Cross, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/governance/corporate-diversity.html.

    Today’s blog is written by LaValle Warren, Sickle Cell Account Manager, Donor Recruitment, American Red Cross.

    If you ask me on any given day, I will tell you that I am Black history 365 days a year. Black history is my everyday life! Supporting Black-owned businesses and donating to and supporting Black organizations are at the core of my experience.  I attended a Historic Black College and University (HBCU), and throughout my life, I’ve actively championed for Black voting rights, equality, diversity and inclusion. Either via financial donations, volunteering or consulting with Black companies, I’ve always been about learning and contributing to the Black experience.  Living Black history is an ongoing process for me.

    Black History Month should be celebrated beyond the month of February. This way, people can continuously learn about the important roles that African Americans have played in the development of the United States, starting in 1619 when enslaved African people were captured and brought to these shores.  I often wonder why we’re not incorporating Black history information into our curriculum more. In fact, we should be taught about all immigrants who comprise our nation. This knowledge would make us more sensitive, respectful of one another and more conscious of our commonalities, rather than focusing on our cultural and racial differences.

    At the American Red Cross, I am very impressed that we have several initiatives that support ongoing diversity awareness in our company. The Diversity & Inclusion Committee, as well as The Umoja Committee, are open to all Red Crossers.  As a member of both committees, I firmly believe that the mission of these entities increases awareness about African American’s legacy and highlights the importance of diversifying our workplace.

    If we knew more about Black her/history, we would be aware of the significant contributions made by millions of enslaved individuals who provided free labor for hundreds of years to the very institutions and infrastructure of America. Even though I know many things about the contributions of my race, I saw a comment that former First Lady Michelle Obama made in her primetime televised address to the 2016 Democratic National Convention about how proud she was to have resided in the White House, saying, “I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves.”

    Some people were deeply offended by her remark, but in truth, African American enslaved and free people provided the bulk of labor that built the White House, the United States Capitol and other government buildings. This little-known historical fact among countless others illustrates how little is taught to us during our education. Perhaps if other groups of people were aware of the significant contributions made by people of color, it would increase respect and reduce racism and discrimination. This is what Black History Month means to me, honoring the achievements made by African Americans.

    I’m so proud of past and present historic individuals, such as Vice President Kamala Harris; NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, who helped calculate the trajectories for astronauts to get the moon; noted heavyweight world boxing champion Muhammad Ali; contralto and the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1955 Marian Anderson; successful writer James Baldwin; civil rights crusader Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; actress/author, Maya Angelou; Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman; self-made billionaire media mogul Oprah Winfrey; Grammy Award-winning producer/songwriters and architects of the Sound of Philadelphia, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff; Urban One Founder Cathy Hughes; activist Octavius Catto, who challenged discrimination in Philadelphia; the first Black Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; Civil Rights advocate Rosa Park, who helped kick off the civil right movement; and reigning entertainment royalty Beyonce.

    These are just a handful of African Americans whose contributions to domestic and global culture are worthy of study, recognition and celebration in our society. In fact, closer to home for us in the American Red Cross, it is significant to know that Dr. Charles Drew,  considered by many to be the father of blood banks, was an African American physician who developed ways to process and store blood plasma.

    My current role at the American Red Cross as Sickle Cell Account Manager allows me to stand on the shoulders of Dr. Drew’s discoveries and legacy. I’m elated to represent our efforts within the Black community and connect with living African American leaders in churches, schools, civic organizations, corporations and the overall community. During February, Black History Month, and every month of the year, I will work diligently to uplift and educate the community about how the Red Cross blood collections operates.  As I proudly represent, I proclaim that Black history is ME, and Black history is an ongoing consequential part of American history.

    Main image description: Photo of LaValle Warren

  • What Black History Month Means to Me as a Red Crosser

    Each February, the nation and the American Red Cross celebrate Black History Month. All this month here on the Red Cross Philly blog we honor our Black colleagues that are part of our local Red Cross team. We invited them to be guest bloggers to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our diverse team here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this blog post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. To learn more about Diversity and Inclusion values at the Red Cross, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/governance/corporate-diversity.html.

    Today’s blog is written by Doris Hayward, Account Specialist, Donor Recruitment, American Red Cross.

    On May 1, 1965 I was a young black child at 9 years old.  I lived a couple blocks from Philadelphia’s Girard College.  On this day, I could hear bull horns and I could hear people chanting / singing “Freedom On The War Path” and “We Aint Gonna Let Nobody Turn Us Around.”

    I ran up to get a closer look at what was really going on at ‘The Wall.’  That is where I met The Honorable Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I joined him on the famous 10-foot wall during the 43-acre Oasis March in efforts to desegregate the private boarding school established for White-Only Orphaned Boys.

    Although it was 17 days of protest with only 20 picketers, 800 police officers were stationed at ‘The Wall.’ The officers acted as a barrier separating the All-White School from the place where it was established, in an African-American neighborhood. The place where Girard College was established did not, and would not, accept Black students. I grew up in it and around it — this terrible thing called, Segregation.

    In fact, desegregation of Girard College started back in 1953.  I am proud to say that this demonstration and powerful Civil Rights Activism led to The Girard College Trustees’ Voting to admit African American Students to the Girard College School on May 23, 1968.  

    On Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, women across the country pledged to wear pearls on Inauguration Day to support the country’s first Black female Vice President-Elect, Kamala Harris.  

    I vow to continue wearing my pearls for equality & solidarity throughout the years, because I still believe in Dr. King’s dream, that one day we will live in a nation where we will not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.

    To be honest, I still have the dream, that one day little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. This is what Black History Month means to me, that one day I will be treated fairly and respected equally in The United States of America.

    Thank You Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and former President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. I also thank so many others who have helped to pave ways for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.

    As an American Red Crosser, the Red Cross accepted my diversity as a Black woman, my unique culture, my dress, my swag, my hairstyles and all. They let me be me! I am Black within my Blackness at the American Red Cross — I am strong and I am essential! 

    Main image description: Photo of Doris Hayward, standing in front of pictures of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

  • How Giving Blood is Giving Hope on World Cancer Day

    By Marta Rusek

    Many people think that blood donations are primarily used to save the lives of people who need transfusions after surviving a catastrophic event or natural disaster. But did you know that blood and platelet donations to the Red Cross are also an essential lifeline for cancer patients? On World Cancer Day, let’s explore how blood donations from readers like you are providing hope and a fighting chance for people with cancer.

    According to the American Cancer Society, over 1.8 million new cancer cases were diagnosed last year. This staggering statistic is why nearly one quarter of America’s blood supply is needed just for cancer patients. Cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, as well cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, attack and weaken the body’s bone marrow, which produces red blood cells and platelets. When bone marrow can’t replace red blood cells and platelets fast enough, this deficit prevents the patient’s body from fighting back against the cancer cells.

    This is why blood and platelet transfusions are so critical to children and adults who are cancer patients – these transfusions help repair and strengthen the body’s immune response, which keeps the cancer at bay.

    Now, the need for blood donations that can help patients fight and survive cancer is especially critical as COVID-19 restrictions and severe winter weather cause blood drive cancellations.

    The good news is that people like you and local businesses can help reverse the blood supply shortage, and help cancer patients in the process.

    If you are in good health and meet certain age and weight requirements, visit RedCrossBlood.org find a blood drive near you and make an appointment to give blood or platelets soon. Donating is fast, and if you’re not a fan of needles, this article will help alleviate your fears. As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give this February will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

    If you’re a cancer survivor who wants to pay it forward, you can donate as long as you meet certain requirements based on how long your cancer has been in remission and medicines you’re taking. This article from the American Cancer Society has more information.

    Lastly, if your business has fewer people working on-site due to COVID-19 work-at-home protocols and lots of space to spare, hosting a blood drive would make a world of difference. To get started, check out the Red Cross’ Why Host a Blood Drive page.

    Now more than ever, we encourage you to give blood and to ask businesses you know to host blood drives. Your donation gives life and hope to children and adults across the Delaware Valley who are battling cancer AND trying to stay safe during a pandemic.

    Primary image description: A graphic with a blue background and the American Red Cross logo, with the words: “Be a #CancerKicker” \ “RedCrossBlood.org/Platelets”. Next to the words is a yellow drop containing the words: “help,” “strength,” “GIVE,” “love,” “healing,” “HOPE,” and “support”.