HAMLET — Richmond County residents are being asked to donate blood in honor of a young man who underwent multiple transfusions during an extended hospital stay this past winter.
A community blood drive is scheduled for 1-5:30 p.m. Friday, July 1 at the Hamlet Masonic Lodge at 307 Main St. to honor 20-year-old Jack Berry.
“We want to get awareness out there to everyone and show how donating helps,” said Tina Clark.
The middle child of Berry Patch owners Lee and Amy Berry, Jack received 20 units of blood and plasma during his three-month stay in Chapel Hill.
“We are honored that the Clarks would take time out of their busy lives to help so many folks in honor of Jack,” Amy Berry said Thursday.
Amy Berry said she met the Clarks through Facebook and said her family “will be eternally grateful” for the Clarks’ generosity towards them.
“We met through Facebook and their generosity towards Jack and our family and others will be “Donating one unit of blood could save someone’s life,” Amy Berry said. “It’s a sacrifice most of us can spare.”
Clark said that eligible donors with types O, B negative or A negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive.
“Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact,” she said.
In January, the American Red Cross announced that it had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types — especially type O — and was limiting distribution to hospitals.
Last week, The Blood Connection reemphasized the blood shortage, saying that one donation could help up to three people.
According to TBC: “ … only three percent of the population donates blood, but one in seven people who enter a hospital will need a blood transfusion. The supply simply doesn’t keep up with the demand. Historically, there is a higher demand for blood products in July.”
Anyone donating through the ARC June 30-July 10 will receive a Red Cross tote bag while supplies last. TBC donors are being thanked with a T-shirt and $20 eGift card.
Friday’s blood drive will be in the kitchen and meeting area of the Masonic Lodge.
