Blood Drive at Lee Kia as American Red Cross looks to improve shortfall

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The American Red Cross said they’re in need of blood donations after a long summer.

Representatives said as people go on vacation over the summer, the need for blood remains constant. A blood drive took place at Lee Kia on Greenville Blvd Tuesday. This comes at a time when the national blood supply has dropped by 25 percent.

“The need for blood never stops. You know, while we might have the Fourth of July, where we go and celebrate and hang out with our friends and family, there’s people in hospitals all around the world and all across the country that need the blood we provide on a daily basis,” Account Manager with American Red Cross Mac Bell said.

“Great thing to do and it’s easy. And you can do it every 56 days if you want,” Regular donator Elaine Anderson said. She has donated 13 gallons of blood in all.

“I had cancer in 2021 and that was the first real surgery I had besides the broken bones as a kid,” she said. “And knowing I needed blood, I’m thankful I can always get it.”

The American Red Cross is in a shortfall or around 19,000 units per day, with units being the number of people who donate.

The American Red Cross was also offering a free $20 Amazon gift card with those donations. The American Red Cross is going to continue that promotion of that free $20 Amazon gift card until the end of August.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.