WILMINGTON — March is Red Cross month, and you can join in on the American Red Cross life-saving mission by giving blood.
Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and who bring hope to people facing emergencies, according to a press release from the organization. Since 1943, every United States president has designated March as Red Cross month to recognize how the organization helps people across the county and the world.
Blood donor Timothy Sheely felt the need first hand, as his wife required 12 units of blood during emergency surgery after the birth of their son.
“If it had not been for blood donors, she might not have survived,” Sheely said. “Thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their mom. I can’t possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good.”
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.
Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities for Brunswick and New Hanover counties:
Leland
Friday, March 3, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., at Brunswick Forest Community Blood Drive, 2701 Brunswick Forest Parkway
Southport
Monday, March 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. James Plantation Signature Wellness Center, NC 211
Kure Beach
Friday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kure Beach Community Center, 118 North Third St.
Wilmington
Wednesday, March 1, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th S.
Friday, March 3, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th St.
Monday, March 6, 1 to 6 p.m., at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th St.
Monday, March 6, 1:30 to 6 p.m., St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1416 Market St.
Tuesday, March 7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th St.
Wednesday, March 8, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th St.
Friday, March 10, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th St.
Sunday, March 12, 12 to 4:30 p.m. at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th St.
Monday, March 13, 1 to 6 p.m. at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th St.
Wednesday, March 15, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Wilmington Blood Donation Center, 1102 S. 16th St.
