AIKEN, S.C., Feb. 19, 2014—The American Red Cross needs blood and platelet donors to help restock the blood supply this February.
In the South Carolina Blood Services Region, last week’s winter storm forced the cancellation of 40 Red Cross blood drives, resulting in more than 1,300 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
In total, the recent storm caused the cancellation of about 265 Red Cross blood drives in the south and along the East Coast, resulting in nearly 9,300 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Back-to-back winter storms had already canceled more than 1,000 blood drives in 34 states and Washington, D.C. this year before this latest storm.
Platelet donors as well as blood donors of all blood types are needed now and will be needed in the coming weeks to help ensure blood and platelets are available for patients. There is an urgent need for blood types O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative. Eligible donors with these blood types are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to give in the coming days.
Appointments to give blood can be made online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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 consent), 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.
Upcoming blood drives in your area:
In the South Carolina Blood Services Region, last week’s winter storm forced the cancellation of 40 Red Cross blood drives, resulting in more than 1,300 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
In total, the recent storm caused the cancellation of about 265 Red Cross blood drives in the south and along the East Coast, resulting in nearly 9,300 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Back-to-back winter storms had already canceled more than 1,000 blood drives in 34 states and Washington, D.C. this year before this latest storm.
Platelet donors as well as blood donors of all blood types are needed now and will be needed in the coming weeks to help ensure blood and platelets are available for patients. There is an urgent need for blood types O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative. Eligible donors with these blood types are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to give in the coming days.
Appointments to give blood can be made online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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 consent), 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.
Upcoming blood drives in your area:
Feb. 21
|
8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
| Ridge Spring-Monetta High School 10 J. P. Kneece Dr., Monetta |
Feb. 26
|
2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
| Aiken Mall 2441 Whiskey Road S., Aiken |
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