Carolina Blood Drive committee recognized for a legacy of lifesaving impact
At its annual meeting: Honoring a Year of Hope, Help and Humanity, the American Red Cross recognized the Carolina Blood Drive committee as the 2026 Blood Services Partner of the Year.
“This recognition reflects your outstanding commitment and meaningful contributions to our Red Cross mission,” said Ellen Gorham, executive director, Greater Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We are proud to celebrate your incredible impact alongside our community of supporters, volunteers and partners.”
Since 1989, the Carolina Blood Drive committee has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to saving lives through its partnership with the American Red Cross. Each year, the committee organizes two signature events: the spring Carolina Blood Drive at the Dean E. Smith Center and the December Carolina Holiday Blood Drive at Fetzer Hall, bringing together donors in support of a critical community need.
The committee’s impact is remarkable. Over the past 38 years, the spring and winter drives have collected 40,258 total productive units of lifesaving blood. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the committee hosted the largest blood drive in the country, collecting 808 units.
“The Carolina Blood Drive committee is recognized for its exceptional planning, organization and attention to detail. Its members consistently demonstrate professionalism, preparedness and a strong commitment to mission success,” Gorham said. “Their ability to adapt during challenging circumstances, particularly throughout the pandemic, reflects both resilience and leadership.”
The committee’s consistent performance and extraordinary impact have established a standard of excellence. Through decades of service and thousands of donations collected, the Carolina Blood Drive committee continues to make a meaningful difference in countless lives.
April Carolina Blood Drive
Thank you to the 402 donors and 96 volunteers who made it possible for the 38th annual Carolina Blood Drive to collect 425 units of lifesaving blood.
Each year we count on the Carolina community and we are so grateful for each one of you.
The Carolina Blood Drive is now on Instagram! Visit us at https://www.instagram.com/carolinablooddrive.
When can I give blood again?
As we plan our December drive, take a minute to make sure you are eligible to give. This website https://whencanigiveblood.com/ lets you put in the date of your last donation to see when you are able to give again. The calculator looks at whole blood, power red and platelet donations.