Upcoming blood drive scheduled this weekend in Fredericksburg

The St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Blood Drive will be held April 15-16 at the Holy Family Center in Fredericksburg. Saturday hours will be from 3-6:45 p.m., and Sunday hours will be 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Every donor will receive a coupon for a free pizza from EZPZ Pizza along with other gifts.

Appointments are preferred but not required; walk-in donors are welcome. For additional information, call or text (361) 658-7399.

According to a statement from The American Red Cross at the beginning of 2023, “The blood shortage has been the worst in more than a decade.” The Red Cross has also said the recent blood crisis has forced some doctors to decide who gets a blood transfusion in hospitals and who needs to wait until supply increases. As of January 2023, over 30% increase was seen in the last five years in red cells needed for patients, and over 40% more platelets needed over the last five years for patients.