The American Red Cross will conduct two blood drives in Gloucester in the next week.

One drive will be held from 1-7 p.m. Friday at the Abingdon Ruritan Club, 8784 Guinea Road, Bena.

The second is set for noon-6 p.m. Tuesday at the Gloucester Moose Lodge near Gloucester Court House, 6565 Moose Drive.

Jonathan McNamara, communications director for the Red Cross Virginia Region, said hospitals “are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits” with a resultant severe blood shortage.

Donors of all blood types, especially Type O and platelet donors, are being urged to donate.

Appointments for donations may be made by visiting RedCrossBood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
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