Donors urged to donate to help save a life at Score One 4 Life blood drive
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Dec. 21, 2017) — The American Red Cross is once again teaming up with ABCNews4, iHeartRadio and the South Carolina Stingrays for a blood drive on Jan. 4, 2018 at Northwoods Mall, 2150 Northwoods Blvd., and Citadel Mall, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Donors are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and help ensure patients get the treatment they need by giving blood.
Blood and platelet donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day when busy holiday schedules and vacation plans can cause some donors to be less available to give. Additionally, blood donations at high school and college blood drives, which account for as much as 20 percent of blood donations during the school year, decline when schools are not in session.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and generous blood donors are the only source for those transfusions. Donated blood is essential for cancer treatments, childbirth complications and other crucial surgeries.
All presenting donors at the Score One 4 Life blood drive will receive a free long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and a pair of tickets to a Stingrays game, while supplies last.
How to donate blood
Simply 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 or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.