American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania

02/26/2026

“The need for blood doesn’t take a holiday, it doesn’t take a vacation, it doesn’t take a sick day. It takes everybody giving, every single day.”

WHYY reporter Nicole Leonard spoke with Red Cross Southeastern PA CEO Jennifer Graham about how recent snow storms impacted the region's blood supply and how you can help prevent disruptions in patient care.

The snowstorm caused more cancellations at local blood donation drives and centers, at a loss of about 1,000 blood and platelet donations.

02/26/2026

We're SO PROUD of our local lifesavings Jodi, Kai and Ruth ❤️

02/25/2026

Educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune helped usher in a sustained presence of Black Americans in the mission of the Red Cross. She advocated for the desegregation of blood collection practices, hosted blood drives and encouraged African American women to staff canteens.

During World War II, Dr. Bethune served as director of the Florida Chapter of the Red Cross, helping to build bridges with the Black community. She advocated for employment opportunities, disaster relief and diverse representation on Red Cross regional and national boards.

In September, Dr. Bethune's portrait was unveiled at the Red Cross national headquarters in Washington D.C. Tap the link in our comments to read the story.

📷: Public domain image

02/24/2026

In celebration of , we invited colleagues to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our inclusive team in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Today, we feature a blog post by Carla Moore, a Program Specialist for Service to the Armed Forces.

Carla writes, "The best part of my job is celebrating small victories—delivering food to pantries, making successful referrals, and knowing that even small actions can make a difference."

Tap the link in our comments to read Carla's story on our blog.

📷: Carla (left) is pictured with Service to the Armed Forces volunteer Mary Harper at Philadelphia Vet Fest on Aug. 5, 2025.

02/24/2026

🎁 Bid for a cause! Our silent auction features incredible items you won’t want to miss. Every bid helps fund the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross.

🎟 Join us: redcross.org/redballphilly

02/23/2026

The latest blizzard conditions along the East Coast have forced the cancelation of more than 60 blood drives from D.C. to Maine, causing about 2,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

In our 5-county SEPA region, 12 blood drives were canceled, and more than 350 blood and platelet donations went uncollected.

Please book an appointment (or reschedule if your appointment was canceled today) to donate blood this week to help prevent disruptions in patient care. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to get started.

02/23/2026

❄️ WINTER SAFETY TIPS ❄️ Heavy, wet snow can dangerous while you're clearing your driveway and sidewalk. Follow these tips ⬇️

If you're shoveling:
• Warm up first and take it slow.
• Push snow when you can; lift small amounts if you must lift.
• Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks.
• Stop immediately if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.

If you're using a show blower:
• Only operate in good visibility.
• Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
• Turn off the machine before clearing clogs.
• Avoid loose clothing and refuel safely outdoors.

See our comments for a link to more tips.

02/22/2026

‼️ BLIZZARD WARNING ‼️ Follow these tips to help you stay safe and warm during Winter Storm Hernando:

📱 Stay Informed - Download the free Red Cross Emergency App and sign up for local alerts for updates.

🔋 Charge Up - Power outages are possible. Fully charge phones, laptops and power banks, and keep extra batteries on hand.

🧣 Dress Warmly - If you must go outside, wear layers, waterproof outerwear, insulated boots and warm accessories. Change out of wet clothes right away.

🚗 Prepare Your Vehicle - Keep an emergency kit in your car, including warm clothing, a blanket, hand warmers, a shovel, jumper cables and an ice scraper.

Visit our blog for more tips: https://rdcrss.org/4cCNUJ6

02/22/2026

With another significant winter storm forecast to impact the region, a Snow Emergency will go into effect Sunday at 4 p.m.

02/19/2026

There's a severe blood shortage, and right now, patients across the country are relying on generous blood donors like you. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood — and there’s no substitute for human generosity. They need you! Please give ASAP: https://rcblood.org/appt

02/17/2026

- Surgeon and pioneer of modern blood banking Dr. Charles R. Drew was the first medical director of the Red Cross National Blood Collection Program in 1941. His work with the Red Cross helped save the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians during World War II.

Dr. Drew’s efforts to increase the blood supply led to the use of bloodmobiles and other collection, preservation and distribution processes still used today.

A champion for equality, Dr. Drew challenged the U.S. military’s policy of segregating blood-plasma products by race. Through the collaborative support of civil rights organizations and the Red Cross, the government later discontinued this practice.

📷: Public Domain image

02/17/2026

Every donation counts during a severe blood shortage! Come to give blood or platelets by Feb. 28 and we’ll thank you with a $20 e‑gift card to a merchant of your choice. Patients are counting on you! Schedule here: https://rcblood.org/3K8E99S