WEST GROVE, Pa. — Blood Bank of Delmarva extends its sincere thanks to the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department and Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services-Medic 94 team for hosting blood drives aimed at helping with collections during the challenging holiday season.
The winter months are historically one of the most challenging periods for maintaining a stable blood supply, making community-driven efforts like this one especially vital. Family gatherings, holiday travel, inclement weather, and seasonal illness cause a significant drop in donor turnout. Blood donations nationwide typically decline by more than one-third during the winter months.
Southern Chester County EMS-Medic 94 held a blood drive on November 25, the week of Thanksgiving, and brought in 11 units. A special thank-you goes to SCC EMS Chief of Operations Matt Collins and SCC EMS Outreach Coordinator Cameron Smith for their personal donations and support of our lifesaving mission.
Southern Chester County EMS has implemented a major advancement in the care they provide to the patients they serve. Since June of 2024, Southern Chester County paramedics carry units of prehospital packed red blood cells on their advanced life support units, thereby allowing their paramedics to rapidly transfuse blood to their patients even before they arrive at the hospital.
Southern Chester County Regional Police Department followed up with a holiday blood drive that pulled in another 13 units on Friday, December 5. Special thanks to Southern Chester County Regional Police Chief Joseph Greenwalt, who not only coordinated the blood drive but also rolled up his sleeve to donate blood as well.
In addition, Blood Bank of Delmarva Account Manager Alyssa Lepore attended the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry holiday luncheon on December 4 in an effort to drum up support for BBD’s lifesaving mission.
“We are continuing to grow in Southeastern Pennsylvania and being able to work with partners like Southern Chester County EMS, Southern Chester County Regional Police, as well as the Chester County Chamber has been valuable,” Blood Bank of Delmarva Vice President Kristin Frederick said. “Thank you to Southern Chester County first responders for taking time out of their busy schedules to help ensure patients in our region have the blood they need this holiday season.”
To donate in Chester County, Pa., please call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit delmarvablood.org/sccpa.
