The American Red Cross says hundreds of local donors responded to the appeal for blood issued in July. However, the need remains as the blood supply is not yet back to adequate levels, and blood products continue to go to area hospitals as quickly as they come in.
Nationally, more than 500,000 blood donors are needed during August to help the Red Cross keep up with demand.
ěThe Carolinas Region is extremely grateful to those who have rolled up a sleeve to give blood recently in answering our urgent appeal for donors,î said Joyce Brendel, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. ěHowever, weíre not out of the woods yet, and we need to continue rebuilding our blood supply to adequate levels.î
The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.
Most healthy people age 17 and older ó 16 with parental consent ó who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. Bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of identification when donating.
Eligible blood donors can call 704-633-3854 or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make an appointment. Here are scheduled blood drives for August:
Today, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tilley Harley-Davidson of Salisbury, 653 Bendix Drive. For an appointment, call Frankie Bailey or Kristy Dell at 704-638-6044.
Monday, noon-4:30 p.m., Salisbury Community Blood Drive, Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. West. For an appointment, call the Red Cross office at 704-633-3854.
Thursday 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m., N.C. State Highway Patrol, 5780 S. Main St., Salisbury. For an appointment, call L. Brady at 704-855-1047.
Aug. 14, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m., Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, 3760 Stokes Ferry Road, Salisbury. For an appointment, call Sheila Holshouser 704-645-9328.
Aug. 14, 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Christiana Lutheran Church, 6190 N.C. 52, Salisbury. For an appointment, call Christy Litaker at 704-232-3706.
Aug. 19, 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Walmart Supercenter, 323 S. Arlington St., Salisbury. For an appointment, call the Red Cross at 704-633-3854 or contact Jan Harwood at Walmart, 704-639-9718.
Aug. 21, 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5080 Sherrills Ford Road, Salisbury. For an appointment, call Penny Barger at 704-636 -0352.
Aug. 24, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Rowan Regional Medical Center, 612 Mocksville Ave., Salisbury. For an appointment, call Nancy Allen at 704-210-5377.
Aug. 26, 2:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Rockwell Amvets, 427 Link Street, Rockwell. For an appointment, call Nancy Shiverdecker at 704-267-6410.
Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. J. Fred Corriher Jr. South Rowan YMCA, 950 Kimble Road, China Grove. For an appointment, call the American Red Cross at 704-633-3854.
The blood drive schedule is subject to change. Call the Red Cross office at 704-633-3854 for updated information.