Like past years, the UNC-Chapel Hill Employee Forum is partnering with the Red Cross to hold its annual Carolina Blood Drive. This year, though, the need for participation may be greater than ever.

The organizations announced the return of the Carolina Blood Drive Tuesday morning, saying it will be held Tuesday, June 2, in the Dean E. Smith Center. The drive, which is the ninth largest blood drive in the United States, has been held every year since 1989.

Ahead of the pandemic reaching North Carolina, the Red Cross encouraged residents to donate when possible to make up for any blood drives being canceled or people being deemed ineligible to donate due to illness. With the organization supplying around 40 percent of the nation’s blood, the Carolina Blood Drive’s leaders said continuing to have enough is crucial.

“We need 900 blood donors to make appointments to do our part and help continue to ensure a stable blood supply during this uncertain time,” said Jim Potts, associate chemical hygiene officer with UNC Environment, Health and Safety, and chair of the blood drive planning committee. “We cannot do this without the support of our community, and we appreciate and thank everyone who walks in the doors at the Smith Center.”

The event may look different from normal due to social distancing guidelines, but the donation process will be the same. Organizers also said numerous precautions will be added to protect both its workers and the participants. Donors, volunteers and staff will undergo temperature checks before entering the blood drive, donation beds will be spaced six feet apart and all surfaces touched by donors will be wiped down. The Red Cross also said all collection sets will be sterile and both hand sanitizer and masks will be made available for all.

The Carolina Blood Drive says all blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. To be eligible to donate, a driver’s license or two other forms of identification must be presented at check-in. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with granted parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

The 32nd annual Carolina Blood Drive will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment.

Photo via Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill.

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