Regional and National Blood Supply Low, Donations Urgently Needed

The nation’s blood banks, represented by the American Red Cross, American Association of Blood Banks, and America’s Blood Centers, are asking for immediate blood donations to boost already critically low blood supplies.

This call to action comes at a time when blood is traditionally in short supply due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather, and illness. In the Carolinas Region of the American Red Cross, the current inventory of all blood types is hovering at a one-day supply.

National inventory levels have dropped well below a safe and adequate supply. Certain critical blood types are nearing depletion, and, in some areas of the country, elective surgeries have been postponed or cancelled. Individuals are asked to support their local blood centers by making and keeping an appointment to donate immediately. If supplies are not replenished, surgeries will continue to be cancelled and patient care may be compromised.

Eligible donors are asked to schedule appointments to donate blood now – and on a regular basis. To donate blood, one must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and meet other donor requirements. Those interested in donating blood are urged to contact the Greenville Blood Connection (515 Grove Road) at 864-255-5000 for locations, dates and times of scheduled blood drives within the county.  Easley, Greenwood, and Seneca facilities are also accepting donations; visit www.thebloodconnection.org for directions.

Every day blood is needed in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to save the lives of accident victims. Giving blood is easy, safe and takes less than one hour, but only about five percent of eligible Americans donate blood. Donations are critically needed, please act now.

THERE IS A CRITICAL NEED AT THIS TIME FOR ALL BLOOD TYPES.  

Please call 864.239.2937 or visit  www.thebloodconnection.org to schedule an appointment to give.

MONTHLY BLOOD DRIVES are as follows:

Greer – First Monday, Noon-7 p.m.
GHS Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital
313 Memorial Drive

Laurens – Last Thursday of the month, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Laurens County Health Care System – 22725 Hwy 76 East, Clinton

Newberry – First Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Newberry County Memorial Hospital
2669 Kinard Street

Simpsonville – Second Monday, 12:30 p.m. -7 p.m.
GHS Hillcrest Hospital
729 S.E. Main Street

Taylors – Third Monday, 2:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Hardee’s Restaurant
Corner of Wade Hampton & Rutherford Road

Travelers Rest – Fourth Monday, 1:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
GHS North Greenville Medical Campus
Highway 276 (N. Main Street)

Woodruff Road Area – Third Tuesday, 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Advent United Methodist Church
2258 Woodruff Road

To schedule a blood drive at your business, church or school, contact Phyllis Cain at 864-255-5005x.1069 or [email protected].

Please take the time to give the gift of life. You can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Please contact The Blood Connection at 864-255-5000 and find out where their mobile units are going to be holding blood drives, or go by the blood centers to make a donation.