WPDE Invites Viewers to Become a Hero at Summer Blood Drive

WPDE Invites Viewers to Become a Hero at Summer Blood Drive

Myrtle Beach, S.C.—The American Red Cross and WPDE invite blood donors to become a hero for patients in need this summer by giving the “gift of life” at the WPDE blood drive. The event will take place 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, at the following locations:

Grand Strand Regional Medical Center HealthFinders

Coastal Grand Mall

2000 Coastal Grand Circle

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

University Baptist Church

1740 Hwy. 501 East

Conway, S.C.

Magnolia Mall (Best Buy Court)

2701 David H McLeod Blvd.

Florence, S.C.

To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code WPDE or call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767). Walk-ins are welcome.

All presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross T-shirt and may enter a drawing for the chance to win a $3,000 gift card through the Red Cross “Super Summer Save” promotion.

The WPDE blood drive comes at an ideal time to boost blood donations as 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.

In addition, the supply of type O negative blood at the American Red Cross has dropped to critically low levels.  Type O negative blood is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. Type O negative donors are needed now to help prevent the type O negative blood supply from declining further. 

While all blood types are needed during the summer months, the Red Cross urges those eligible donors with O negative blood type to make and keep appointments in the upcoming days to help restore the blood supply.    

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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