The American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region issued an urgent call for blood donors.
This summer, they've had a tough time recruiting enough blood donors to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.
Donors with all blood types are needed, but especially those with type O negative.
Red Cross officials say type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage. That's because type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.
Every day, more than 39,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in the United States. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature babies, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. Each whole blood donation can help save up to three lives.
Here are some upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in our area:
-8/24 Hopewell Baptist Church 15066 Highway 9 Chesterfield 12:45-5:45 p.m.
-8/25 Lake City Community Hospital 258 North Ron McNair Blvd. Lake City 12:30-5:30 p.m.
-8/27 Laurel Gardens Senior Living Community 1938 Mountain Laurel Court Florence noon-5 p.m.
-8/28 Sumter Mall 1057 Broad St. Sumter noon-5 p.m.
-8/31 Heritage Community Bank 206 South Fifth St. Hartsville 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or click here.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), 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. You're asked to bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you donate.
