WILMINGTON — The American Red Cross urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients.
Volunteer blood drive hosts also are critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.
Blood and platelet drives have been scheduled in Lumberton to help meet the need. The first is 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Southeastern Health, 300 N. 27th. St. Another has been scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Department of Social Services, 120 Glen Cowan Road. A third has been scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at Biggs Park Mall, 2800 N Elm St.
During September and October, the Red Cross collected 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.
“This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it’s important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. “From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop for the holidays. People can give back — and help those in need — by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation now and hosting a blood drive in the weeks to come.”
To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, people who come Nov. 21-24 to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass, are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.
Those interested in hosting a blood drive can learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive this winter by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.