Give Blood In Bala Cynwyd As Flu Season Picks Up

BALA CYNWYD, PA — With the flu season creeping up on us, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well.

And there is an opportunity coming up in Bala Cynwyd.

You can give blood from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Pearson Vue, 3 Bala Plaza West in Bala Cynwyd.

Flu shots do not affect blood donation eligibility.

One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall.

There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.

For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit the Red Cross website, call 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 online here or use the Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross has a need for volunteer drivers to help to deliver the gift of life in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Drivers are needed to transport blood and related products from community blood drives to the Red Cross Philadelphia Blood Donation Center at 700 Spring Garden St., as well as from the Philadelphia Blood Donation Center to area hospitals. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, visit the delivery volunteer website here or contact Monica Wildes at (215) 299-4803 or [email protected].