Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
(April 23, 2018) — The American Red Cross will partner with local blood drive sponsors in the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region to honor the memory of Philadelphia firefighter Capt. Matthew LeTourneau on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. LeTourneau, a regular blood donor, died in the line of duty on Jan. 6, 2018.
A total of eight blood drives will be held throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey on May 8 to pay tribute to this local hero. In addition to these local drives, individuals may give blood anywhere in the country in Matt’s memory by registering their donations at sleevesup.redcrossblood.org/campaign/givebloodtohonormatt or by sharing posts and photos on social media using the hashtag #GiveBloodToHonorMatt.
Regional May 8 blood drives in memory of Matthew LeTourneau include:
· 7 a.m.-7 p.m. – Carol H. Axelrod Memorial Blood Drive at Radnor Township Municipal Building, 301 Iven Ave., Wayne, PA
· 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. – KBS & CBRE, 550 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA
· 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – String Charter School, 1600 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA
· 1-6 p.m. – St. Aloysius Academy, 401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
· 1:30-6:30 p.m. – Congregation Or Ami, 708 Ridge Ave., Lafayette Hill, PA
· 1:30-6:30 p.m. – Delran Township Municipal Building, 900 Chester Ave., Delran, NJ
· 2-7 p.m. – Springfield High School, 49 W. Leamy Ave., Springfield, PA
· 2-7 p.m. – Temple Adath Israel, 250 N. Highland Ave., Merion Station, PA
Presenting donors at these eight regional drives will receive a flashlight keychain. The blood drives are open to the public. Appointments are strongly encouraged; walk-ins may be accommodated as space allows. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
“Matt’s selflessness was unrivaled when it came to helping others. Besides it being his duty and profession, he took it upon himself to continue to try and save lives by donating blood on a regular basis. He was a hero in all senses of the word and this is one small opportunity for us to be a life-saving hero for someone else,” shares Luke LeTourneau, Matt’s brother. “We as a family are humbled and honored by all who continue to memorialize my brother Matt, and we ask you to consider supporting this life-saving event. Spearheaded by the Carol H. Axelrod Memorial Blood drive in Radnor Township, may all of us #GiveBloodToHonorMatt on May 8. This is the first of what, we hope, will be an annual lifesaving tradition of giving blood in my brother Matt’s name.”
Capt. Matthew LeTourneau exemplified heroism in several ways. He served as a firefighter and EMT in Delaware County before joining the Philadelphia Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks. As an instructor at the Delaware County Emergency Services Training Center, he trained firefighters from departments around the region. Matt devoted resources and time to many volunteer groups, and his love of animals was evident in his support of several animal welfare organizations. On top of all that, he was a committed blood donor.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
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. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.