Working Together to Combat Nationwide Blood Shortages

The need for blood donation is essential to patients in need. Since the coronavirus pandemic, more than 50,000 blood drives had been canceled in the U.S. To address the blood shortages, the International WeLoveU Foundation announced the National Blood Drive campaign. From January to February, the campaign aims to combat the blood shortage crisis in North America. The Philadelphia Chapter wanted to get involved and partnered with Miller-Keystone Blood Center. The WeLoveU Foundation worked with them before in 2019 during the One-Two Worldwide Blood Drive Movement.

On Sunday, February 14, 2021, 30 WeLoveU volunteers traveled to the Miller-Keystone Blood Center in Bethlehem, PA. Despite the cold weather, the volunteers filled the morning with warm smiles as they arrived at the center. Then, they began setting up until the first donor arrived at 10 a.m. All donors were welcomed and guided through a brief medical screening process. Afterward, donors waited their time to give blood.

Saving Lives Through Donating Blood

All in all, the blood drive resulted in 25 units of blood, saving 75 lives! The blood units’ breakdown is as follows: 12 double red donations and 13 whole blood donations. One pint of blood is estimated to save three lives. WeLoveU hopes the National Blood Drive campaign will inspire its fellow humanitarians to look past their fears of donating blood. It’s an essential healthcare service that will save the lives of those who need blood. More blood drives are to be hosted in the upcoming weeks.