But with the number of donors dwindling, blood centers across North Carolina –- and across the country – are trying new strategies to get people to open their veins. Traditionally, blood centers have steered away from paying for donations, in part because of Food and Drug Administration rules. “Sometimes we get into hard situations where we are low on inventory, and if we add things like that, we’ll see people come in.” “We lost a lot of blood donors during the pandemic, and we haven’t gained as many back,” said The Blood Connection spokeswoman Katie Smithson. While we were glad to be saving lives, what drew us there that day was the $50 e-gift card we could use at retailers including Target, Amazon and Walmart. “BONUS $50!!! BLOOD DRIVE URGENT NEED!!” screamed the subject line.įor a 16-year-old who is often short on cash, it was an enticing offer.Ī few hours later, we were lounging in recliners in a mobile bus, IVs in our arms, as we each donated a pint. Last month, my daughter Rosie got an urgent email from The Blood Connection, one of three organizations that collect blood in Charlotte. Lessons from Abroad: How Europeans have tackled opioid addiction and what the U.S.Storm stories – NC Health News works with teens from SE North Carolina to tell their hurricane experiences.Unequal Treatment: Mental health parity in North Carolina.Youth climate stories: Outer Banks edition.When kids’ cries for help become crimes.COVID-19 updates: What’s happening in North Carolina?.

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