From a press release:
The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply by giving blood this February. Since the beginning of the year, widespread flu and inclement winter weather in some parts of the country have prevented many regular donors from making or keeping their blood donation appointments. Healthy and diverse blood donors are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply.
Diversity among blood donors is important because red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Blood must be matched very closely for those patients with rare blood types or for those who need repeated transfusions. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity.
All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Buncombe County
Asheville
Feb. 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St.
Feb. 25 from 1 to 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St.
Feb. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Renaissance Asheville Hotel, 31 Woodfin St.
Candler
Feb. 19 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Francis Asbury UMC Gym, 725 Asbury Road
Feb. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mountain Credit Union, 1453 Sand Hill Road
Fairview
Feb. 27 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at Spring Mountain Community Club, 807 Old Fort Road
Leicester
Feb. 23 from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at Newfound Baptist Church, 2605 New Leicester Highway
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