Recent bad weather across the country on the heels of the holiday season has drastically decreased the Red Cross’ blood supply in its Carolinas Region. Type O negative and type B negative blood supplies have dropped to emergency levels, and help is needed. Since type O negative blood can be used for any patient when there is not time to determine the patient’s blood type, it is crucial to have a sufficient supply.
The next blood drives will be Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 25 and 26, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Great Hall in the student union on the UNC Campus. Sign up to give at unc.givesblood.org
There also will be a drive on Sunday, Jan. 31 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at New Sharon United Methodist Church on New Sharon Church Road in Hillsborough.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people aged 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, 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.
For more information or to locate a nearby blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org