Red Cross Holds Blood Drive At Horsham Community Center Aug. 23

HORSHAM, PA — The Horsham Rotary Club will be sponsoring a blood drive in Horsham next week as the ongoing pandemic continues to put strain on the nationwide blood supply.

The blood drive, which is put on by the American Red Cross, will be held on Monday, Aug. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the community room of the Horsham Township Community Center, located at 1025 Horsham Road.

Anyone who is interested in donating blood can contact the American Red Cross to set up an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by using the sponsor code HRC at the organization’s website.

The American Red Cross says it is in the middle of a severe blood shortage, and it is asking those who are healthy and able to donate blood to do so when possible.

Because there is currently a critical need for blood, the American Red Cross is offering e-gift cards to various merchants to those who donate blood now through Aug. 31.

The American Red Cross reminds potential donors that individuals can donate blood, platelets and/or plasma even if they have received the COVID-19 vaccination. It is helpful for Red Cross personnel if those who are making a donation would be able to inform them of the drug manufacturer of the vaccination that the individual donor has received.

In most states, individuals must be at least 16 years old and in good overall health in order to donate.

The nationwide blood shortage is mainly due to the coronavirus, with COVID-19 causing less people to get out and donate blood. Fortune magazine wrote about the blood shortage earlier this summer.