St. Francis of Assisi Church and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, February 7 in the church hall.

The drive takes place from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can make an appointment here. You can also call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS).

According to the American Red Cross, every two to three seconds in the United States, someone needs a unit of blood. The supply is dependent on volunteer donors. Currently, there is a severe shortage.

The organization, the nation’s largest blood supplier, says it is experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. "Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay.”

Its chief medical officer, Dr. Pampee Young, said, “One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty refrigerator without any blood products.”