WWAY partners with American Legion, Red Cross for blood drive

LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — WWAY teamed up with the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68, and The American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Friday, Apr. 10. 

38 appointments were booked, and the timing couldn’t be more important as every drop counts. 

The focus today was on power red donations which is double the standard donation. It collects two units of red blood cells using a single session.

Shellmeka Benjamin, Team Supervisor for The American Red Cross says power red significantly boosts the supply for many patients who are in critical care. 

 “The hospital really needs those for new babies, moms, people with leukemia, all types of cancers, people experiencing trauma and also surgeries,” said Benjamin. 

The American Red Cross also reports shortages in type (O), (A) negative, and (B) negative blood.

If you want to donate, go to the red cross website for a location near you to make an appointment.