The American Red Cross is urgently calling on donors to give blood now to help bolster the blood supply as summer comes to a close. Donors with Type O blood and those willing to give platelets are especially needed to keep hospitals stocked through August.
The demand for blood remains constant, with hospitals relying on a steady supply to save lives. As the season winds down, the Red Cross emphasizes the critical need for donations, especially as fewer people tend to donate during the summer months. To ensure patients receive the care they need, potential donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Incentives for Donors: Those who donate between August 1 and 31 will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card via email as a thank you. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities:
- Columbia:
- August 14: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 530 St. Andrews Road
- Irmo:
- August 8: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Grace Point Church, 11241 Broad River Road
The Red Cross supplies blood to 28 hospitals in South Carolina and has been a vital resource in the state for decades. Beyond blood donations, the organization also provides disaster relief, trains individuals in lifesaving skills, and supports U.S. military personnel and their families.
How to Donate: Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment. You can also enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device for more information. All blood types are needed, and donors must bring a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification at check-in. Eligible donors must be 17 years old (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. High school students and younger donors must also meet specific height and weight requirements.
Streamline Your Donation: Save time by completing the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online through RapidPass® on the day of your donation. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App to get started.
Volunteer Opportunities: In addition to donating blood, individuals can support the Red Cross by becoming volunteer blood donor ambassadors at drives, helping to greet, check in, and thank donors. Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists to ensure blood products are delivered to hospitals. To apply, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
