By 1808Delaware
In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare services, the American Red Cross announced the opening of a new blood collection center in Delaware County. The announcement was made by Corey Paul, the executive director of the Greater Columbus chapter of the American Red Cross, during this week’s Delaware County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Location and Accessibility
Strategically located at 380 Hills Miller Road, just off Route 23, the new Delaware County Blood Center is designed to be easily accessible to the thriving population in and around the city of Delaware. The center will be housed in an existing Red Cross building, maximizing donor dollars and keeping costs low.
Services and Offerings
The state-of-the-art Blood Center will play a pivotal role in the collection of platelets, plasma, and blood. It will be instrumental in expanding the Red Cross’s platelet supply, which is vital for cancer patients. Nearly 25% of the nation’s blood supply and 50% of the Red Cross platelet supply go to patients fighting cancer.
The center will also offer whole blood donation services, depending on staffing levels and availability. Appointments can be made online, and the center is expected to operate Monday through Thursday during regular hours, nine to five.
Investment and Renovation
The total cost of renovations for the new blood collection center was $1.3 million. The investment transformed the old chapter building, previously used for CPR classes and emergency response, into a facility that will be utilized almost every day for collecting blood and platelets.
Ribbon Cutting and Opening
The Delaware County Blood Center is projected to open at the end of the week following the announcement, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for September 26. Invitations will be sent out, and the community is encouraged to participate in this landmark event.
Impact and Community Support
The new Blood Center is expected to save the lives of thousands of children and adults every year. Known as the “Buckle of the blood belt,” central Ohio’s generous blood and platelet donors make this community an ideal location for the center.
The commissioners expressed appreciation for the American Red Cross’s humanitarian mission and the vital role the new center will play in the community. The initiative is seen as a life-saving endeavor that will enhance the healthcare landscape in Delaware County.
