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The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis, reported to be its worst blood shortage in over a decade. Blood donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.

“While some types of medical care can wait, others can’t,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross. “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country. We’re doing everything we can to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors. We need the help of the American people.”

The Red Cross asks the country to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood Drives scheduled on the Outer Banks in January include the Pitts Center in Southern Shores on Wednesday, January 19 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head on Wednesday, January 26 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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