Count on 2 News and WEZL 103.5 Sponsor Blood Drive Blitz in Celebration of March is Red Cross Month
South Carolina Blood Services Region
FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 30, 2012
CONTACT: Candy Oliver, 843-509-4393, oliverc@usa.redcross.org
Charleston, S.C.—Count on 2 News and WEZL 103.5 invite blood donors to the Blood Drive Blitz in celebration of March is Red Cross Month 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at the following locations:
Omar Shrine Center
176 Patriots Point St.
Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Bethany United Methodist Church
118 West 3rd Street South
Summerville, S.C.
American Red Cross West Ashley Donation Center
2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
Charleston, S.C.
All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a complimentary go-cart ride or a round of putt-putt at Blackbeard’s Cove, 3255 N. Hwy. 17 in Mount Pleasant, and they’ll also automatically be entered in a drawing for the chance to win two Delta Air Lines domestic roundtrip tickets through the Red Cross “Runway Getaway” promotion.
In addition, presenting donors will be treated to complimentary refreshments from Moe's Southwest Grill Catering, Chick-fil-A, Ben & Jerry's, Dunkin Donuts, Starbuck's, Raising Cane’s and Bodacious Bagels.
To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code bloodblitz or call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767). Walk-ins are welcome.
By taking time to donate this winter, you can help the Red Cross ensure a stable blood supply for all patients who need blood products. All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply, especially type O negative. Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.
The American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 54 hospitals and must have 500 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given safely every two weeks, up to 24 times a year. Most healthy people age 17 and older, 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.
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