‘Starve a Vampire’ blood drive takes place during nationwide blood shortage

QUINCY, Ill. (KHQA) — The community got a chance to donate blood this afternoon in Arts Quincy’s “Starve a Vampire Blood Drive”.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Oakley-Lindsay Center, donors were treated to a sweet dessert after helping replenish the blood bank during this severe nationwide blood storage.

Every day the American Red Cross needs to collect about 13,000 pints of blood to take care of partner hospitals.

Jim Whitfield who donated blood this morning and works for the Red Cross said that he enjoys donating blood. He also said “People who are first-time donors who maybe think about trying to go to a blood drive for the first time, it’s a noble effort and a noble cause to try to go to a blood drive. There’s a need for a pint of blood at the local hospital. It’s people that come to drives like this and other blood drives that make sure there’s enough blood on the shelf to help somebody.”

He also encourages people to try to donate, as donating only takes about an hour and when you’re donating, you’re making sure that someone who is in need is getting the blood they need to continue the life they have.

If you missed the blood drive, you can find more information on this website: https://www.redcross.org or use the Red Cross app as well as call this number: 1-800-REDCROSS.