Red Cross seeks donors to avert blood shortage

After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross says it needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage. 

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors as well as platelet donors. Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Donors who keep appointments to give blood or platelets can help ensure that trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on, the Red Cross said in a news release. 

The Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. for the theatrical release of “Meg 2: The Trench” to celebrate a summer of sharks and help stave off a blood and platelet shortage. All who come to give through Aug. 12 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at the Long Island Aquarium. 

Those who come to give throughout the month of August will also get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.

HOW TO DONATE

To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the blood donor skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood drives are scheduled at the following locations.

WILSON

• July 26 — 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wilson Community College, 902 Herring Ave.

• Aug. 1 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 U.S. Highway 264 NW.

• Aug. 1 — 2-6:15 p.m., Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 U.S. Highway 264 NW.

• Aug. 3 — 12:30-5:30 p.m., Forest Hills Baptist Church, 1407 Forest Hills Road.

NASHVILLE

• July 25 — 1:30-5:30 p.m., Nashville Methodist Church, 209 E. Washington St.

• Aug. 5 — 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Nashville Town Hall council chambers, 114 W. Church St.

• Aug. 15 — 2-6 p.m., Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington St.

ROCKY MOUNT

• July 31 — 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Environmental Services Building, 1221 Thorpe Road.

• July 31 — 2-6 p.m., Oakdale Baptist Church, 13037 U.S. Highway 64 Alternate W.

• Aug. 3 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 3224 Woodlawn Ave.

• Aug. 11 — 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Englewood Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Englewood Drive.

• Aug. 14 — 1:30-6 p.m., First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, 200 S. Church St. 

ENFIELD

• Aug. 3 — 12:30-4:30 p.m., Halifax Electric Membership Corp., 208 Whitfield St.

HALIFAX

• Aug. 9 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Halifax County Agricultural Center, 359 Ferrell Lane.

ROANOKE RAPIDS

• Aug. 1 — Noon to 6 p.m., Kirkwood H. Adams Community Center, 1100 Hamilton St.

• Aug. 10 — 3-7 p.m., First Christian Church, 839 Roanoke Ave.