Actually, it’s always a good time to give blood, and one of our problems around here is that we don’t give enough in non-crisis times. But that doesn’t mean the red stuff isn’t urgently needed when things go off the rails.
While the hurricane prognosis for SC may be looking better, the Red Cross is about being prepared. (Or is that the Boy Scouts? In any case, it’s a good idea.) Here’s the latest appeal:
Red Cross Urges Blood Donations Prior to Hurricane’s Arrival
COLUMBIA, S.C.—As individuals in the Southeast begin to prepare for the possible impact of Hurricane Irene, the American Red Cross is urging immediate blood donations prior to the storm’s arrival.
“It’s the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster,” stated Delisa English, chief executive officer for the South Carolina Blood Services Region. “We are still working to stabilize the blood supply after our summer shortages. If people will donate blood immediately, before the storm, then blood will be available in the aftermath should conditions prohibit people from traveling or coming to blood drives.”
Across the country, blood centers are struggling to keep pace with demand. Nationwide, around 39,000 blood donations are needed each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. These patients and others rely on blood products during their treatment. When disaster strikes, this need does not diminish, even though blood donors may find it difficult or impossible to get to a convenient donation opportunity. Also, if collections are negatively impacted by a disaster, the long-term care needs of these patients could be affected.
“Don’t wait until after the storm to donate,” urged English. “The time to help is now.”
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
To schedule an appointment or locate a nearby blood drive, call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
Donation centers and upcoming blood drives in your area:
Columbia Donation Center
2751 Bull St.
Columbia, S.C. 29201
Blood donation hours:
Monday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Platelet donation hours:
Sunday: 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.Sumter Donation Center
1155 N Guignard Dr.
Sumter, S.C. 29150
Blood donation hours:
Monday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Thursday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
8/24 Aiken Mall 2441 Whiskey Road South Aiken 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8/24 Mancor 397A Hwy. 601 South Lugoff 11:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 8/26 Swansea High School 500 E. First St. Swansea 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 8/27 Olive Gove Missionary Baptist Church 305 Old Elloree Road Orangeburg 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 8/27 Sumter Mall 1057 Broad St. Sumter 12:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 8/28 Our Lady Of The Hills Catholic Church 120 Marydale Lane Columbia 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. # # #
Have done so recently, I can’t give yet. But maybe you can.
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