The American Red Cross holds community blood drive in Chester County

On Tuesday, medical doctors from the nonprofit held a blood drive at Chester County Hospital the place donations may probably assist tons of of individuals.

“There is a want for it,” mentioned Linda Rice, a affected person care technician on the hospital.

“In the event you do not thoughts the little pinch within the arm, it simply offers you a few minutes to loosen up and shut your eyes, and also you’re doing a superb factor within the meantime,” she mentioned.

As Rice recovered from donating blood with a sugary drink and snacks, she mentioned she’s happy with her potential to assist her group.

The Purple Cross says donating takes about 45 minutes and may save as much as three lives per donation.

“It is gratifying,” Rice mentioned.

Greater than 70 donors like her registered for the blood drive at Chester County Hospital, an effort happening at a important time.

“With COVID, it has been robust. We misplaced some websites as a result of heightened COVID restrictions, quick staffing, and a shrinking donor pool,” mentioned Ashley Campuzano, a workforce supervisor for the American Purple Cross.

Throughout January’s Omicron surge, the Purple Cross declared a nationwide blood disaster, the worst scarcity in a decade.

That is why the nonprofit has pushed for comparable occasions to remind the group of the advantages of donating, like a free well being test with Purple Cross medical doctors and the gratification of serving to these in want.

“I be ok with my job each day after I get up. It is an ideal feeling to know that I am serving to folks,” mentioned Campuzano.

In the event you’re desirous about donating blood, 6abc shall be holding the 2022 6abc Philly Blood Drive on Wednesday, March 30 on the Courtyard by Marriott, Fairmount Ballroom.