Red Cross Issues Plea for Blood
Organization says supplies are at critically low levels across the country.
The American Red Cross blood supply has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. This shortfall leaves the Red Cross with half the readily available blood products on hand now than this time last year.
The Red Cross is calling on all eligible blood donors – now more than ever – to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer.
“Every day, the Red Cross must collect more than 17,000 units of blood for patients at more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Of that, the South Carolina Blood Services Region must collect approximately 500 units per day,” said Julie Weilacher, interim CEO of the American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region. “We need donors to make appointments in the coming days and weeks to help us ensure that all patient blood needs can be met. Each unit of whole blood can help save more than one life.”
A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or find blood donation opportunities in your community.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities
Mount Pleasant Donation Center
Village Point Shopping Center, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Ste. A-10
Whole Blood
Monday and Tuesday: closed
Wednesday and Thursday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sunday: closed
Platelets
Monday and Tuesday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday: closed
Friday-Sunday: 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
West Ashley Donation Center
Harrell Square Shopping Center, 2000 Sam Rittenberg Ave., Ste. 112
Whole Blood
Monday-Thursday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sunday: closed
Platelets
Monday and Tuesday: noon-6 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday: Closed
Friday-Sunday: 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
MUSC Donation Center
171 Ashley Avenue, Room 279
Whole Blood only
Monday: closed
Tuesday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: closed
For a listing of community blood drives, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
roy gay
1:05 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I believe the red cross should offer memberships in an available pool of donors.
If you donate a pint, you should be allowed credit for a pint. This credit could be used for anyone in your family when needed. The credit could be for a year then expire. Why should hospitals charge people for blood, when they donate it for free to the red cross ?
JoSCh
8:52 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Because the awesome people who work at the American Red Cross need to be paid. And the people who put that blood into you need to be paid.
Is the cost of a pint of blood really an issue? I think the ARC charges $150 or so. I have huge issues with the healthcare system and the profitability of it, but not so much the ARC, they've been in debt for years. If you're worried about shortages urge your friends to donate. And quit being so selfish.