The Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center will hold a donation drive in Raeford April 20 to address a shortage in the blood supply.

The center plans on taking special precautions to keep donors and staff members safe. The country has seen a shortage in blood supplies, donor center recruitment coordinator Dianne Carter said in an email this week.

“We are facing a national blood shortage during this pandemic. Unfortunately, our patients still need blood and we are struggling to get the blood for our community,” Carter said.

The Cape Fear Blood Donor Center provides blood supplies for patients in Hoke, Cumberland, Harnett and Bladen counties.

The blood drive is set for Monday, April 20 from 2-6 p.m. in the parking lot of Fresh Foods IGA, located at 240 South Main Street in Raeford.

The blood drive will operate a little differently to keep the social distance guidelines. The staff members are wearing gloves and masks to protect donors and themselves.

“Donors can fill our their paperwork and wait in the comfort of their cars. Staff will call or text them when it is time to go on the mobile. We are limiting donors on the mobile to no more than three at a time to meet spacing distances,” Carter said. “We are also asking donors to make appointments for public drives to minimize traffic and wait times.”

To sign up, call Carter at 615-3307 or email dcarter2@capefearvalley.com. Please have photo identification. All donors can receive a t-shirt as a thank-you gift.

The Cape Fear Valley Health System blood donor center is located at 3357 Village Drive Suite 150 in Fayetteville.