Memorial Hospital hosting community blood drive Wednesday

The American Red Cross announces a national blood crisis for the first time in decades.

According to the organization, the nation’s blood supply is in record low territory. The Red Cross reported a 34 percent decline in new donors due to the pandemic.

Centers across the U.S. have reported less than a day supply of certain blood types.

To help fill the need, Memorial Hospital is hosting a blood drive tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It will be in the atrium of the hospital on the Gulfport campus off Broad Avenue. Facemasks will be required. You can sign up online by visiting redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code ‘MemorialGPort’ or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

Memorial will also be hosting a blood drive Tuesday at its Stone County campus.