CAPE MAY – The American Red Cross urges those who have never given blood before – as well as those who haven’t given recently – to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now and help sustain a sufficient community blood supply this summer.
While the need for blood is constant during the summer months, the Red Cross experiences a drastic decline in new donors. Nationwide, about 32 percent fewer new blood donors, and more than 40 percent fewer in New Jersey, came out to give last summer than during the rest of the year. Additionally, many schools where blood drives are held – and where new donors give – are not in session, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacation plans.
While about 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, less than 10 percent of those eligible actually do. The blood donation process takes about an hour with the actual donation only taking about 10 minutes. Whether new to donating blood or a lifelong donor, the Red Cross offers helpful tips for an enjoyable donation experience:
- As much as possible, eat iron-rich foods leading up to your donation.
- Hydrate – drink an extra 16 oz. of liquid before and after the donation.
- Have a healthy meal before the donation.
- Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
- Complete a RapidPass on the day of donation, prior to arriving, to save time.
- Remember to bring a picture ID, blood donor card or two other forms of identification.
“Every day, we have thousands of lives to help save, but blood and platelet donations often do not keep pace with hospital demand during the summer months,” said Alana Mauger, external communications manager, Penn Jersey Blood Services Region “In less time than it can take to go out to eat, you can make a lifesaving difference for cancer patients, accident victims and others in need.”
Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Cape May County:
Cape May
6/7/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lower Cape May Regional High School, 687 Route 9
Ocean City
6/8/2017: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 501 E. Eighth St.
Rio Grande
6/10/2017: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lowe’s Home Improvement, 3171 Route 9 S.
Sea Isle City
6/8/2017: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sea Isle United Methodist Church, 4102 Central Ave.
Stone Harbor
6/2/2017: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Stone Harbor Library, 9508 Second Ave.
