There’s a blood drive scheduled for this Wednesday in Oxford and donors are desperately needed to ward off a shortage during the waning days of summer. The drive will be at the Public Works Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Public Works Center is located at 127 Penn Ave., Oxford.
Another drive will be held in Henderson on Aug. 26 at Maria Parham Medical Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Although 62 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, only about 3 percent donate, according to Cally Edwards, regional communications director for the Eastern District of the American Red Cross. In addition to blood donations, the Red Cross is in special need of platelet donations.
Anyone who donates during August automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.
Donors can schedule an appointment to give using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).