The Red Cross-Eastern North Carolina Region will host the 33rd annual Carolina Blood Drive from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, in the Dean E. Smith Center.

The Carolina Blood Drive is largest blood drive held in the United States since the pandemic started in 2020. This drive remains one of the largest blood drives in the country and we need more than 1,000 blood donors to make appointments to do our part and help continue to ensure a stable blood supply.

“Blood donation is essential to the health of our communities,” said Garrett Reid, regional donor services executive, Eastern North Carolina Region. “Since 1989, the Tar Heel community has rallied together to selflessly donate blood for those in need. Though the need for blood doesn’t let up, donations often decline at this time of year as donors become busy with outdoor activities, schools dismiss for summer and vacations are planned. The Carolina Blood Drive is a critical drive as we kick off the summer.”

The Carolina Blood Drive has potentially impacted more than 100,000 patients who require lifesaving blood transfusions, including those who need surgery, cancer treatments or trauma victims. The longstanding Carolina tradition aims to help save hundreds more lives this June. Individuals who are healthy and feeling well are encouraged to schedule and keep donation appointments at the Carolina Blood Drive.