A Red Cross reminder: June 14 is World Blood Donor Day

88.5 WFDD - Public Radio For The Piedmont | By David Ford

Published June 10, 2025 at 5:07 AM EDT

Hurricane season and other severe summer weather events can put a strain on the region’s blood supply. So, the American Red Cross is working now to get ahead of demand.

Emergency events can lead to dangerous drops in the amount of blood products for lifesaving transfusions. As people head outdoors for summertime adventures, the Red Cross is reinforcing the need for individuals to make and keep donation appointments.

With a shelf life of 42 days, a consistent pipeline is one way to make sure that medical needs are met. Type O and platelet donors are especially needed this summer season.

Later this month, there will be blood donation opportunities in Ashe, Davidson, and Watauga counties, as well as across the Piedmont Triad.

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David Ford

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.

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A Red Cross reminder: June 14 is World Blood Donor Day

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
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