WS Chronicle

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter. 

During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 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, 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.”

An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally – and 280 blood drives in this area – are needed in December, January and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.

How to help

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.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities through Nov. Dec. 15

FORSYTH COUNTY

Winston-Salem

11/29/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

11/29/2018: 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller Street

11/30/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/2/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/2/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Friedberg Moravian Church, 2178 Friedberg Church Rd.

12/3/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/4/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lowes Home Improvement Hanes Mall Blvd, 935 Hanes Mall Blvd

12/4/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/5/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/6/2018: 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Blvd

12/6/2018: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Wake Forest Baptist Health, 1920 West 1st Street

12/6/2018: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Blvd

12/6/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/7/2018: 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Blvd

12/7/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/7/2018: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Blvd

12/7/2018: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Benson Center, 1834 Wake Forest Road

12/9/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/10/2018: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Parkland High School, 1600 Brewer Road

12/10/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/11/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/12/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/13/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive

12/14/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Winston Salem Blood Donation Center, 650 Coliseum Drive