Like the emergency room of a hospital, the American Red Cross must be prepared to respond to patient emergencies with blood products 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Through the everyday support and generosity of blood and platelet donors, the Red Cross can be prepared to do this day-in and day-out, no matter when or where these blood products are needed.
Each day, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed for patients in the United States. In fact, approximately every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. All eligible donors are encouraged to become an everyday supporter of the Red Cross and their communities by giving blood or platelets this winter.
Upcoming blood drives:
• Wednesday, 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, student center/cafeteria, 1933 Jake Alexander Blvd. For an appointment, please contact Natasha Lipscomb (RCCC) 704-216-3622 or the Red Cross office at 704-633-3854.
• Saturday, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Cornerstone Church, 315 Webb Road. For an appointment, please call the church office at 704-855-1218.
• Feb. 13, noon-4:30 p.m.; American Red Cross Blood Drive, E.H. Dole Chapter-American Red Cross, 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. W. For an appointment, please call the Red Cross office at 704-633-3854
• Feb 19., 1-5:30 p.m., Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, 3760 Stokes Ferry Road. Please contact Sheila Holshouser to schedule an appointment, 704-645-9328.
• Feb. 23, 2:30-7 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. For an appointment, please contact Judy Trexler, 704-754-8807.
• Feb 24, 1:30-6 p.m., Carroll T. Overton Elementary, 1825 Park Road. For an appointment, please contact the school office, Elizabeth Sippell, 704-639-3000.
• Feb. 26, 1-5:30 p.m., Faith Baptist Church, 203 N. Main St., Faith. For an appointment, please contact Pat Barton, 704-279-7736.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, 16 with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.