BUCKHANNON – The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur and St. Joseph’s Hospital are sponsoring two blood drives during a critical blood shortage.

Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and Foundation for St. Joseph’s Hospital Lisa Wharton told the club the first of two blood drives will occur Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brushy Fork Event Center.

“We have quite a few donors already signed up, there’s a real dire need for blood in this country and we’re no exception,” Wharton said.

The second blood drive will take place April 1 and both drives will also be collecting canned goods for the Upshur County Parish House.

“I’ll be getting more out about that as we get closer because if people aren’t giving blood they can still drop by and donate some goods for the parish house,” Wharton said. “As far as the blood screenings go, knock on wood, I hope that by the next couple months, we’ll be able to start having those again. I know a lot of people are really missing having that screening done. Between COVID, the numbers and the supply chain issues, it’s just not possible at this time.

According to a press release from St. Joseph’s, to make an appointment to donate blood, go online to vitalant.org and use group code W4310005 or call 1-304-473-2164 or 1-412-209-7000.