Urgent call for blood donors amid nationwide shortage
The American Red Cross has announced a series of local blood drives in response to a critical blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets. With nearly 29,000 units of red blood cells required daily nationwide, the demand is relentless.
The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
Local residents have multiple opportunities to contribute in the coming weeks, with blood drives scheduled across the area:
Delta Sigma Theta Kinston on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 101 Myrtle Avenue, Kinston, NC 28501.
Kinston Community Center on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 2602 West Vernon Ave, Kinston, NC 28504.
Lighthouse Mennonite Church on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 1281 Honolulu Road, Grifton, NC 28530.
Kinston Public Service Complex on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM at 2360 Hwy 258 South, Kinston, NC 28501.
Arendell Parrott Academy on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1901 Dobbs Farm Road, Kinston, NC 28501.
Woodington Middle School on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 4939 Hwy 258 South, Kinston, NC 28504.
Bethel Free Will Baptist Church on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 1936 Banks School Rd., Kinston, NC 28501.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church on Monday, February 26, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 800 Roundtree Street, Kinston, NC 28501.
With the nation's blood supply under strain and the Red Cross providing about 40% of the country's blood and blood components, community participation is more crucial than ever. Only about 3% of age-eligible individuals donate blood each year, a figure that falls short of meeting the constant demand for blood transfusions. Each donation can save more than one life, making every donor a vital part of the healthcare system's ability to care for patients in need.
Neuse News is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to provide free, hyper-local news to Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. The kind of news our grandparents read in a format fit for today's times.
We provide this by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
