SC blood donors urgently needed as national blood supply dwindles. Here’s why, where to donate

As summer approaches, families prepare for warmer weather, longer days and outdoor adventures. Injuries also spike during the summer months, risking the nation’s blood supply.

Because summer is a busy month for many, blood donations sharply drop in the middle of the year, critically reducing the nation’s blood supply at a time when it’s most needed. Scheduled donations account for 90% of blood donations.

Now, the American Red Cross is calling on donors across the country to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, as the blood supply has fallen by several thousand units in just a week. Donors of all blood types are essential in keeping the blood supply strong enough to withstand summer challenges, according to their press release.

The American Red Cross is a national nonprofit organization that supplies around 40% of the country’s blood supply. Concerns are being raised that the blood supply decline could worsen in the coming weeks as we enter trauma season.

This period between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings an increase in severe injuries from car accidents, ATV crashes, sports-related injuries and other summer activities. The AAA reports that fatal crashes involving teen drivers rise by 30% during this time, often called the “100 deadliest days.” A single person injured in a serious car accident can require up to 100 units of blood.

“For a person suffering from severe bleeding – and the emergency medical responders caring for them – stopping the bleeding and stabilizing them is a race against an unforgiving clock,” says Dr. Emily Coberly, medical director for the Red Cross. “Every minute matters. For each minute that passes without blood transfusion, the risk of death increases by 11% for patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock. That’s why having a readily available blood supply is critical.”

As a result, for those who donate blood between now and June 28, the Red Cross is offering a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7500 gift cards.

Here’s how to donate:

How to donate blood

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.

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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Here’s where you can donate in SC:

Blood donation centers in SC

The American Red Cross keeps track of all the blood drives across the country. By putting your ZIP code into their search engine, you can find all available centers near you. Click here to see the map.

In Columbia, the American Red Cross has a donation center at 2751 Bull St.

The Blood Connection usually has pop-up blood donation drives that allow you to donate blood without an appointment. You can see their schedule here.