Wayne UNC Health Care hosts an emergency blood drive this week.

Patrick Lynch from Wayne UNC told Jeff Farrow on Goldsboro’s Greatest Hits the hospital currently only has about a day’s worth of blood on hand.

The pandemic has resulted in blood supply shortages across the country due to cancelled blood drives or fewer donors showing up for such events.

Lynch says “every two seconds, someone needs blood or platelets.”

Blood donations are used for accidents, burn victims, patients having surgeries, or those undergoing cancer treatment.

Lynch says COVID-19 safety measures will be in place during the blood drive.

The emergency blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wed., Nov. 4 in the hospital auditorium.

All donors will receive a $20 gift card and a screening for COVID-19 antibodies following their donation.

Antibody testing is not COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Positive test results do not confirm infection or immunity.

Donors can save time and ensure social distancing and limited interaction by making an appointment online.