The Wareham Council on Aging will host a community blood drive at the gymnasium at 48 Marion Road, Wareham, on Friday, Jan. 26 from 12 to 5 p.m.

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage, as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years — according to the American Red Cross, the number of people donating blood over the last 20 years has fallen by more than 40%. 

Blood donors of all blood types — especially type O — and platelet donors are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed. 

Use the sponsor code Wareham COE in the blood donor app or at RedCrossBlood.org or use the direct link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=WAREHAMCOA to schedule an appointment, and complete a pre-donation questionnaire. 

As a special thank-you for helping address the emergency blood shortage, the Red Cross and the National Football League are partnering to offer those who come to give blood in January a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.