Town of Swansboro to hold blood drive to help Red Cross shortage

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The Red Cross said that they have had to cancel over 100 blood drives in our area due to the recent hurricanes.

Towns like Swansboro have plans to help by hosting a blood drive at the town’s Rotary Civic Center on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. It’s all in an effort to help our neighbors out west.

The Red Cross said that with 100 blood drives cancelled, over 2,500 units of blood have gone uncollected. The main issue they’re now seeing is places that might have been able to host blood drives are closed due to the hurricanes. Those are places like churches, rec centers and non-profits who can’t open. They have also had to send a lot of their supply to Milton victims in Florida. Now they need help replenishing it. The only thing you need to bring to donate is a photo ID. If you are 19 or older you need to weigh at least 110 lbs. You also need to be feeling well that day and if you’re on any medication check the Red Cross website to see if you’re still eligible.

“Onslow County is particularly important in replenishing the blood supply. Because we’ve been on the other side of it when Florence hit and we were not able to collect blood. Western North Carolina stepped up to help us. So now it’s our turn.” said Stacey Spencer, blood drive coordinator.

For those who might be nervous about donating, Spencer wants people to know they no longer do the finger prick test before you give blood.

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