RN, BSN, American Red Cross ES DAT Volunteer, SEPA Chapter, Penn-Jersey Region

To the Editor:
On Saturday, March 3rd, a blood drive was hosted in Stone Harbor on behalf of the Bosacco family. This event coincided with Red Cross Month and aimed to increase awareness about the need for blood donations. Because of the generosity of many local blood donors and the support of our community, the American Red Cross was able to collect 38 pints of blood. This amount of blood can save up to 111 lives in our region and across the country.
As the organizer of this event, I’d like to take a moment to thank several people and organizations that were integral to the success of this drive:
– The Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor, who graciously let the American Red Cross use their facilities.
– The Borough of Stone Harbor, local shopkeepers, family members, and community members who helped spread the word about the event.
– The Bosacco Family for allowing me to organize such a wonderful event on their behalf.
– The Cape May County Herald, The Seven Miles Times, and NBC40 News for featuring the event both in print and on their websites.
– The American Red Cross, for their continued efforts to collect blood throughout our country. Special thanks to Ms. Jamie-Lynn Craige and Ms. Leslie Pittman-Smith for their help and guidance.
It is estimated that every two seconds in the United States, someone will need a transfusion. Because blood cannot be manufactured in a lab, blood transfusion recipients can only get the blood they need through the kindness of donors. If you were not able to join us on March 3rd, I urge you to consider making a donation immediately. There are events all over our area or you can call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule your own appointment. The procedure itself is practically painless, takes about 15 minutes, and can save up to three lives. Although March is an important month for Red Cross awareness, blood is needed year-round. To quote the American Red Cross, “The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Please give blood.”
It was a pleasure of mine to organize and work on this event. I hope that the Bosacco family, our donors, and our community had a positive experience and will continue to support the American Red Cross. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Catherine DeLosso RN, BSN
American Red Cross ES DAT Volunteer
SEPA Chapter, Penn-Jersey Region