Red Cross Seeks Blood Donors during Hot Spell

Columbia, S.C.—It is often difficult to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients during the summer months. With schools out and families on vacation, it’s even more important that those who are eligible to donate come forward to give the gift of life. The American Red Cross reminds people to keep and make appointments to donate blood during the current hot spell in the southeast.

During times of extended hot weather, the Red Cross may begin to see an even bigger decline in the number of blood donors than in a typical summer. While the heat is unlikely to change the amount of blood needed each day, the challenge is that the weather is too hot to encourage people to leave their air conditioned homes and businesses to donate blood.

All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. Type O negative blood is the universal blood type. This means type O negative blood can be transfused to anyone who needs blood, regardless of their own blood type. Type O blood may be used during emergencies, when there is no time to cross-match a person’s blood type. That’s why it’s especially important that people with type O blood donate as frequently as they can.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in 54 hospitals. Approximately 500 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older,or 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.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Donors are encouraged to visit the American Red Cross donation center at 2751 Bull St. in Columbia or one of the upcoming blood drives in the area. Additional blood drive information is available at redcrossblood.org. 

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