Trauma patients, those undergoing organ transplants and premature babies also regularly need platelets. Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, surgical patients and bone marrow recipients – must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are always needed. “I want to influence others to give who may be either scared or think they don’t have enough time in their schedule.”Įvery 30 seconds, someone in the U.S. “When my mother and father passed away after battling cancer, I decided to give platelets to help others who might benefit,” said Keller. “He is very focused on his job, but once you get to know him you quickly discover that he is a very caring individual who gives back with honor and deep sincerity for others.”īeing a platelet donor is so important to Keller that he has made a pledge to give regularly and wants to encourage new and previous donors to do so as well. “Kevin started out by giving whole blood with the Red Cross in 2014 and then later switched to donating platelets once he learned about the need and the donation requirements,” said April Ennis-Pierson, development director at Handi-Crafters, Inc. Handi-Crafters runs one of the largest employment and disability focused support service programs in Southeast Pennsylvania. Kevin’s employer, Handi-Crafters, Inc., has taken special notice of his commitment to helping save lives. resident, always has a contagious smile on his face and a funny comment to make everyone laugh. look forward to seeing Kevin Keller, who comes in to donate platelets every two to three weeks. For more information, please visit or CruzRojaAmericana.All of the staff members at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in West Chester, Pa. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood teaches skills that save lives provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members and their families. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit /driver. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. To get started, follow the instructions at /RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.Īnother way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.īlood 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. 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. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-80) to make an appointment or for more information. – 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, 130 W. – 7 p.m., Stetson Middle School, 1060 Wilmington Pike – 7 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 S. – 2 p.m., West Chester University, Sykes Student Union, 110 W. – 6 p.m., University of Valley Forge, Capeci Hall, 40 Pine Crest St.
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