Red Cross issues immediate call for Buncombe County blood donations

Press release from the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter. 

 During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.

 “This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it’s important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop for the holidays. People can give back – and help those in need – by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation now and hosting a blood drive in the weeks to come.”

 An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally – and 100 blood drives in this area – are needed in December, January and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.

 To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleevedRed Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visitingRedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass, are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.

Those interested in hosting a blood drive can learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive this winter, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 13-Dec. 15 include the following:

Black Mountain Fire Department
106 Montreat Road
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Friday, Nov. 23
10:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

North Buncombe Elementary School
251 Flat Creek Chruch Rd
Weaverville, NC 28787
Monday, Nov. 26
2:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Black Mountain Community Blood Drive
Black Mountain Presbyterian Church
117 Montreat Road
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Thursday, Nov. 29
1:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

UNC Asheville at Highsmith Building
1 University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804
Friday, Nov. 30
11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Wal-mart – Weaverville
Sunday, Dec. 2
12:00-4:30

Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte Hwy
Asheville, NC
Tuesday, Dec. 4
2:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

State Employees’ Credit Union
111 Smokey Park Hwy
Asheville NC 28806
Wednesday, Dec. 5
10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

DoubleTree Hotel
115 Hendersonville Rd
Asheville, NC 28803
Friday, Dec. 7
12:00-4:30

Ingles Markets Inc- Oteen
1141 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Friday, Dec. 7
9:00-1:30

Central United Methodist Church Asheville
27 Church St
Asheville NC 28801
Sunday, Dec. 9
8:30-12:30

Industries for the Blind
240 Sardis Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Thursday, Dec. 13
10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

MANNA FoodBank
627 Swannanoa Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Friday, Dec. 14
11:30-4:00

Ingles Market Fairview
225 Charlotte Hwy
Asheville, NC 28803
Sunday, Dec. 16
1:00-5:30

Owen Middle School
730 Old US 70
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Monday, Dec. 17
2:00-6:30

Trinity Baptist Church- Asheville
216 Shelburne Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Monday, Dec. 17
1:00-6:00

Leicester Volunteer Fire Department
2852 New Leicester Hwy
Asheville NC 28748
Wednesday, Dec. 19th
2:00-6:30

Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation
78 Weaver Blvd.
Weaverville, NC 28787
Thursday, Dec. 20
11:00-3:30

Lowe’s on Tunnel Road
89 South Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Friday, Dec. 21
2:00-6:30

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
34 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Sunday, Dec. 23
12:00-5:00

Mountain Ridge Wellness Center
611 Old US 70
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Wednesday, Dec. 26
9:00-2:00

Chick-fil-A on Merrimon
170 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28801
Friday, Dec. 28
3:00-7:30

Lowe’s Weaverville
24 North Ridge Commons Parkway
Weaverville, NC 28787
Friday, Dec. 28
11:00-3:30

Turkey Creek Baptist Church
2206 Bear Creek Road
Leicester, NC 28748
Friday, Dec. 28
2:00-7:00

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