The Red Cross recently acknowledged the Diocese of Raleigh for the nearly 80 blood drives that were held across the diocese in 2024. Partnering with the Red Cross, local parishes, Knights of Columbus Councils and other Catholic volunteer service organizations collected 2,816 units of blood.
“I wanted to take some time as the year begins to thank you and the diocese for all of the hard work and dedication that has gone into your support of the American Red Cross over the past year, and the impact we have made on the greater community by way of Catholic blood programs,” said David Kirstein of American Red Cross Blood Services in Durham. “I am so grateful we have been able to serve alongside each other this past year to fulfill this life-saving mission. I look forward to being able to share more life-saving opportunities together in the new year.”
By holding regular blood drives, the Red Cross ensures a stable blood supply to meet ongoing patient needs and be prepared for any emergencies that may arise, including natural disasters that were especially impactful in North Carolina this year. Severe weather events can hinder blood collection efforts by preventing donors from reaching donation sites and causing temporary closures of donation centers. Blood products cannot be stockpiled, as they have a very limited shelf life. The Red Cross must collect approximately 13,000 blood donations every day to meet demand.
Impact Report
Number of drives: 78
Aggregate goal: 2,833
Appointments: 3,138
Donors registered: 2,985
First-time donors: 205
Deferred donors: 317
Power red units: 550
AA units: 61
Type O units: 1,512
Total units collected: 2,816
Thank you for your lifesaving support!