Red Cross Offers Blood and Platelet Drives During July

Seen here at the June 16 blood drive are Madison resident and blood donor, 18-year old Cara Sullivan with Jim DeVico, president of the Corps and Sally Barylick, a 40-year member of the Corps and a Red Cross volunteer.

AREA (June 25, 2009) – The Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross will be hosting blood and platelet drives during the month of July. During the summer months blood donations tend to decline as people are away on holiday. The American Red Cross urges residents to consider taking the time to make a donation.

On Tuesday June 16 the Colonial Crossroads Chapter held a blood drive at the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps building located on Prospect Street. Marisa Hottat, blood services coordinator for the Colonial Crossroads Chapter, says “the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps opened its doors to host this blood drive which was a tremendous success for both organizations. Many donors had never entered the Corps building and had many questions about both organizations. There was a very positive response from donors who were able to see first hand how two critically important volunteer organizations can join together for the benefit of the community.”

Both organizations stand ready to respond to residents in distress. The Colonial Crossroads Chapter has a Disaster Action Team on stand by 24/7. The Madison Ambulance Corps has three ambulances and a volunteer squad who also respond 365 days of the year. The Corps is always looking for additional volunteers. People interested in more information or how they might support the Corps should check the website at www.rosenet.org/mvac. You can also call the membership hotline at 973-377-0312.

For upcoming blood drives please note that appointments are preferred in order to reduce wait times but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are required for platelet drives and must be made at least 72 hours in advance. For appointments in Madison please call (973)-377-0455, in Summit call (908) 273-2076 ext. 11. Anyone who is at least 16 years of age and weights 110 pounds or more is eligible to donate blood every 56 days. For complete eligibility guidelines visit www.pleasegiveblood.org

July Blood Drives:
Monday, July 20
2 – 8pm
Colonial Crossroads Chapter
695 Springfield Avenue, Summit

Tuesday, July 21
1 – 7pm
(in Madison/ location TBD).

July Platelet Drives:
Saturday, July 11
10am – 4pm
Colonial Crossroads Chapter
One Madison Avenue, Madison.