DCCC Hosts Blood Drive as Red Cross Declares Severe National Shortage

By Brigid Amoroso

Staff Writter

MARPLE, Pa.— Delaware County Community College hosted an American Red Cross blood drive in the Founders Hall Lounge on Wednesday, Feb. 25, and Thursday, Feb. 26. The drive ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday. During the event, the Red Cross accepted both whole blood and Power Red donations.

The DCCC drive arrived at a critical moment for the national health system. On Feb. 10, NPR Illinois reported that the American Red Cross had declared a “severe blood shortage” across the United States. According to the report, a combination of severe winter weather and a high prevalence of seasonal respiratory illnesses led to a shortfall of thousands of donations in early 2026. Red Cross officials told NPR that the supply of type O blood—the most frequently requested type by hospitals—had dropped to dangerously low levels, at times falling below a one-day supply.

A Power Red donation is a unique type of donation that allows donors to safely give twice as much blood as a typical session. This is achieved using a machine that separates red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, then returns the plasma and platelets to the donor to support a faster recovery. A Power Red donation takes approximately 45 minutes, whereas a regular blood donation takes roughly 10 minutes.

On Thursday, the Red Cross staff included five phlebotomists and one volunteer to assist with check-ins. The volunteer, who requested anonymity, noted that roughly 48 people had signed up to donate that day. She added that the organization always anticipates additional walk-ins throughout the day.

Upon arrival, donors checked in using a valid ID and completed a private medical screening. Following their donation, participants were encouraged to rest and enjoy snacks and drinks to prevent lightheadedness or fainting due to the loss of fluids.

Joe Fisher was among the first to arrive for an 11 a.m. appointment on Thursday. Fisher has given blood 68 times throughout his life, with his most recent donation occurring just two months ago. He shared that his commitment began nine years ago when his brother was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Over the course of his illness, his brother received 25 blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant. Since then, Fisher has made it a point to donate three or four times a year.

Mackenzie DiRosto, a former DCCC student, previously worked for the American Red Cross, an experience she said taught her the vital importance of donating. To date, she has given 10 units of blood, including several Power Red donations. Her last donation was on Dec. 30, exactly 56 days prior to the campus event. “I’m not big on donating money, but I have plenty of blood to give,” she said.

Lydia Kirkpatrick, a DCCC student set to graduate this spring, was making her second donation. Her first was during the college’s fall 2025 blood drive. Kirkpatrick began donating after her mother required a blood transfusion during a medical emergency several years ago. Following that experience, her mother started donating regularly, and Kirkpatrick is now following in her footsteps.

Carol McKinney, an administrative assistant in the Career and Counseling office at DCCC, typically gives blood once a year. She said she is motivated by the high demand for blood and a personal sense of obligation to help. Thursday marked McKinney’s first time giving a Power Red donation.

Those interested in helping to address the current shortage can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. To streamline the process, the Red Cross encourages donors to use RapidPass, which allows participants to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their appointment.