ABC11 Together Blood Drive helps Red Cross build up supply to help people in need

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. For 10 hours Wednesday, people across central North Carolina stepped in to help make sure there was enough blood to go around.

The ABC11 Together Blood Drive took place at three different locations in Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville.

Donors who gave blood received a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card (by email), as well as a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt. The gift cards are courtesy of a partnership between the Red Cross and Amazon.

In the winter, blood supply typically runs low. That's why it is especially important to donate. Plus, Red Cross workers remind us that the donations can help people with a variety of health issues.

"People think it's only for accident victims and that is part of it, but cancer patients use it, a good amount of blood. Sickle cell patients need it for transfusions. So all parts of our population need this blood, and it's only coming from volunteer donors," Red Cross Sandhills Executive Director Phil Harris said.

Fayetteville

Dr. Corey Fair is taking a stand for his grandson who has sickle cell anemia and occasionally needs blood transfusions.

"I need my grandson healthy. I need him to be OK and whatever I can do to make that happen I want to do it. That's everything to me. It's my legacy," he said.

Fair said donating blood is a sacrifice, but it's a necessary one.

Danny Rosa, 18, hopes the donation can help as many people as possible.

"I want to make sure that I give what I can. And I mean, I have it. So, why not?," Rosa said.

Rosa knows that one donation has the power to positively change countless other lives.

Further donation opportunities

Through its partnership with the National Football League (NFL), those who give blood, platelets, or plasma Jan. 1-31, 2023, will be automatically entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona, including access to day-of, in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare to Phoenix, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 10-13, 2023), plus a $500 gift card for expenses. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

If you have questions about your eligibility status, click here for more information or call the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276.

January is National Blood Donor Month, so we encourage you to schedule your appointment today. Just go to RedCrossBlood.org (using sponsor code ABC11) or call 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also register using the Blood Donor app.