WILMINGTON — The American Red Cross has made an emergency plea for blood and platelets after a scarcity of donations in November and December.
Overall, the Red Cross received about 37,000 fewer donations during those months than anticipated. Hectic holiday schedules and severe weather that forced about 90 blood drives to cancel were among the reasons given for the national blood and platelet shortage, a press release from the organization states.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to the Red Cross.
“Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood to save their lives,” the release states.
Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services, said the lack of adequate supply means blood and platelets are being distributed to patients as soon as they are received.
“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” Gehrig said. “We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs.”
Over the next two weeks, the Red Cross has scheduled blood drives nationwide, including in the Cape Fear area.
You can find a blood drive via the Red Cross’ Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“In about an hour, you can help save someone’s life. This simple act can have a profound impact on another human being,” Gehrig said.
Upcoming blood drives include:
Brunswick County
Boiling Spring Lakes, Thursday, Jan. 5, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Boiling Spring Lakes Community Blood Drive, 1 Leeds Road.
Leland, Thursday, Jan. 19, 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Intracoastal Realty Corporation, 497 Old Waterforde Way, Suite 107.
Southport, Thursday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Oceanview United Methodist Church, 8400 E. Oak Island Drive.
Southport, Wednesday, Jan, 18, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Dosher Hospital, 924 Howe Street
Pender County
Rocky Point, Saturday, Jan., 21, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Victory Christian Fellowship, 12646 Hwy 117 S.
New Hanover County
Castle Hayne, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cape Fear Community College – North Campus, 4500 Blue Clay Road.
Wrightsville Beach, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wrightsville United Methodist Church, 4 Live Oak Drive.
Wilmington
Wednesday, Jan. 4, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Thursday, Jan. 5, 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Friday, Jan. 6, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Friday, Jan. 6, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., New Hanover Regional Orthopedic Hospital, 5301 Wrightsville Ave.
Monday, Jan. 9, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Anchor baptist Church, 300 Futch Creek Road.
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Lowe’s Home Improvement Monkey Junction, 5110 College Road
Friday, Jan. 13, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Sunday, Jan. 15, 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Monday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Scotts Hill Baptist Church Cross Point Center Green Room, 185 Scotts Hill Loop Road.
Monday, Jan. 16, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Friday, Jan. 20, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Marsh Oaks Clubhouse, 117 Marsh Oaks Drive.
Monday, Jan. 23, 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Porters Neck Country Club, 8405 Vintage Club Drive.
Monday, Jan. 23, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Friday, Jan. 27, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
Monday, Jan. 30, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 South 16th St.
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