Blood drives set for around the Diocese as supplies hit a critical low

Catholic parishes and organizations across the Diocese of Camden are partnering with the American Red Cross to host blood drives the week of Jan. 15.

The efforts come just as the Red Cross announced that the United States is facing an emergency blood shortage. The number of people giving blood is at its lowest in the past 20 years, leaving nearly 20 blood centers with a one day supply or less, officials said.

On Jan. 15, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the diocesan Black Catholic Ministry Commission has planned a MLK Day of Service blood drive to fight sickle cell disease, a red blood cell disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 365 Black or African-American children is born with sickle cell disease. One in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with the sickle cell trait. Blood transfusions are often used in treatment.

The BCMC blood drive will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Jan. 15 at Saint Bridget University Parish’s Fellowship Hall, 125 Church St., Glassboro. Use the sponsor code MLK Glassboro when scheduling an appointment.

For this and the following blood drives, schedule at RedCrossBlood.org, download the Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

“Many people are looking for something they can do on the MLK Day of Service. They want to give back to their community,” said Stephen Williams, vice chairman of the Black Catholic Ministry Commission. “Giving blood is small but meaningful and can help so many people.”

Other blood drives around the Diocese:

The Catholic Community of Christ Our Light

402 Kings Highway North
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

01/15/2024 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Woodstown Parish Center

2 Lamplighter Dr.
Woodstown, NJ 08098

01/16/2024 | 2 – 7 p.m.

Our Lady of Mercy Academy

1001 Main Road
Newfield, NJ 08344

01/17/2024 | 8:30 a.m. –  1:30 p.m.

Saint Joachim Parish

601 W. Browning Road
Bellmawr, NJ 08031

01/21/2024 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

591 New Jersey Avenue
Absecon, NJ 08201

01/22/2024 | 1:30 – 06:30 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Council #1443

350 Crystal Lake Avenue
Haddon Township, NJ 08033

01/31/2024 | 1 – 6 p.m.