Vampires are all the rage, but when it comes to real blood, many people get queasy.

In case of an accident, disease or other injury, a blood transfusion is a literal lifesaver. But what if there’s no blood to receive?

In July, Red Cross blood donations for the month were the lowest they had been since 1996. Blood donations through the Red Cross also hit a 15-year low during the summer.

The American Red Cross Triangle Area Chapter is in dire need of donations to ensure no patients are turned away. Wake County Public Libraries are teaming up with the Red Cross to offer a series of drives in August, December and April at three regional libraries.

The first drive will be Aug. 27 from 2-6:30 p.m. at Eva Perry Regional Library in Apex. Aug. 30 from 2-6:30 p.m. at North Regional Library in Raleigh, and Aug. 30 from 3-7:30 p.m. at Southeast Regional Library in Garner. Other Triangle drives can be found on the Red Cross website. 

“Rolling up a sleeve and helping save lives can be a special way to celebrate the Labor Day holiday this year,” said Delisa English, chief executive officer of the Carolinas Blood Services Region.

When donating at permanent office locations, all donors will receive a coupon for a free haircut at Sport Clips through Aug. 30. From Aug. 21 to Sept. 4, donors will receive a special travel mug. And all donors from July through September will be entered to win a $3,000 gift card.

Permanent locations in the Triangle are:
Cary – 3700 Regency Pkwy, Ste. 150, 27518
Raleigh – 100 N. Peartree Lane, 27610
North Raleigh – 8301 Banford Way, 27613
Durham – 4737 University Dr. #3, 27707

Beyond standard donations of whole blood, the Red Cross also needs donations of double red cells, platelets and plasma, which require more time and the use of an apheresis machine to separate the blood components.

Donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative are especially encouraged to give at this time.

See the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.