The American Red Cross is seeking eligible blood donors to give in honor of World Blood Donor Day, which is June 14. The organization is also seeking donors throughout the summer months to ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients in need.
"Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients," said External Communications Manager Krystal Overmyer. "May schools that host blood drives are out of session during the summer, and regular donors are often vacationing, potentially making them less available to give."
World Blood Donor Day, Overmyer said, highlights the constant need for donors, during the summer and throughout the year.
Supermodel Niki Taylor, the celebrity spokesperson for World Blood Donor Day, fully understands the importance of blood donations. In 2001, she was in a near-fatal car wreck and received about 100 pints of blood. To this day, she attributes her survival to the blood donors and doctors who helped save her life.
Those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross June 8-14 will receive a limited-edition Nexcare give bandage in one of eight global-inspired designs in honor of World Blood Donor Day.
"Every day this summer is a chance to give hop," Taylor said.
Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donation opportunities from June 1-15 include:
American Red Cross Florence Blood Donation Center, 1555-B W. Palmetto St. in Florence
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 2-7 p.m. Wednesdays; 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Clarendon Memorial Hospital
Noon to 6 p.m. June 4
Trimaco Manning, 2814 Ram Bay Road
1-6 p.m. June 10
South Carolina Cotton Museum, 121 W. Cedar Lane in Bishopville
1-6 p.m. June 3
