Letter to the editor: Demand for blood continues to grow

During the pandemic, you may wonder how to help our medical community safely. Hospital demand for blood continues to grow- there are still people getting cancer treatments, having surgeries, giving birth, and getting injured every day. The American Red Cross needs willing volunteers to assist donors during blood drives to ensure their life-saving mission can continue.

In addition to supplying the critical blood supply to patients, blood samples from donors are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Donors with antibodies may then donate their plasma, which is used as a treatment for people actively fighting COVID-19.

If you would like to find out more about what you can do to help save lives by supporting blood donations, please join the American Red Cross Eastern NC for an online open house, “Resolve to Volunteer,” January 26th at 7 p.m. and January 27th at noon. You can register for this free event by visiting https://rdcrss.org/3pvg4tM or email me at Elisabeth.grant@redcross.org to find out more about becoming a volunteer.