In response to the high demand for blood donations during the pandemic, the International WeLoveU Foundation hosted a blood drive on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. In January, WeLoveU launched the National Blood Drive campaign to address the critical need for blood during these unprecedented times.
Since January, a string of blood drives hosted across the United States has now made its way to Coastal Virginia. Sixty volunteers rolled up their sleeves in Norfolk to combat the blood shortage with the American Red Cross.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported a dramatic reduction of blood supplies nationwide with critically low blood donations. In Virginia, WTKR Channel 3 said dozens of blood centers closed due to wintry conditions. A day of inclement weather prevented a blood center from collecting 300 pints of blood.
According to Kristopher Dumschat, Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross Virginia Beach, “Blood donations remain essential to the health of our communities.” The support of blood donations and blood drives like WeLoveU’s National Blood Drive is necessary to ensure blood products are available.
At the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, around 60 WeLoveU volunteers participated in the blood drive, each arriving at their appointment times. As a result, 54 donors successfully donated a pint of blood. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Therefore, the 54 pints of blood can save up to 160 lives!
With numerous blood drives canceled, the donor’s efforts will help save many lives in Virginia. “From cleaning up location spots that needed cleaning, to blood drives or anything like that, it’s an amazing organization to work with,” said Channel 13 News Photojournalist Bono Herrera Jr.
As blood circulates throughout the body, so the National Blood Drive circulates across the U.S.! Notably, the WeLoveU Foundation also carries out worldwide blood drives as well.
