ELLERBE — Richmond County residents are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and “give the gift of life.”
First Baptist Church in Ellerbe is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive from noon-5:30 p.m. Friday, July 22.
Elsie Freeman, who is coordinating the drive, said The Berry Patch will be donating strawberry ice cream.
Contact Freeman for an appointment.
Earlier this month, there was a blood drive in Hamlet in honor of the Berrys’ son, Jack, who received 20 units of blood and plasma during a three-month stay in Chapel Hill this past winter.
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.”
The Red Cross lists several other upcoming blood drives in the community:
- July 25 – Freedom Baptist Church, Rockingham, 2-6:30 p.m.
- Aug. 10 – First United Methodist Church, Rockingham, 2-6:30 p.m.; Cole Auditorium, Richmond Community College, Hamlet, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Aug. 17 – American Woodmark, Hamlet, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Aug. 26 – Hamlet Masonic Lodge, Hamlet, 1-5:30 p.m.
- Aug. 30 – Beverly Hills Baptist Church, Rockingham, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
