DeKalb libraries hosting emergency blood drives this month

The DeKalb County Public Library and the American Red Cross are holding several “emergency blood drives” this month to get blood donations during the coronavirus outbreak.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, blood donations are critically needed to be distributed to hospitals,” the library system said in a statement. The physical libraries in DeKalb closed to the public last month.

The blood drives are scheduled to be held:

• Thursday, April 9 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. at Dunwoody Library, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338
• Friday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hairston Crossing Library, 4911 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30088
• Thursday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dunwoody Library

As of March 22, 6,000 Red Cross blood drives were canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in 200,000 fewer blood donations, the organization said. That includes 9,907 fewer donations in Georgia.

The Red Cross will take "extra precautions" to make sure blood donors are safe, including sterilizing equipment and surfaces and using extra protective equipment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org.