Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Donors urged to give blood and make lifesaving difference
The American Red Cross and WIS-TV are teaming up for the annual ‘Count on WIS’ Blood Drive on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Donors will have several opportunities to give blood and help save lives at multiple locations across the Columbia-metro area.
This blood drive comes when blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and more donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply. Donors of all types are encouraged to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, including trauma patients, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source.
Donors can give blood at various locations in Columbia, Lexington and Sumter on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All presenting donors will receive a free T-shirt and $10 Visa gift card courtesy of Suburban Propane while supplies last. Those who come to give are also eligible to receive a $5 Target eGiftCard via email.
Locations are:
Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge
300 Palmetto Health Parkway Dr., Columbia, SC 29212
Lexington Urgent Care
811 West Main St., Lexington SC 29072
Spring Valley Presbyterian Church
125 Sparkleberry Ln., Columbia, SC 29223
WIS-TV Studios
1111 Bull St., Columbia SC 29201
USC Arts Building – Banquet Hall
190 Miller Rd., Sumter, SC 29151
How to donate blood
Simply 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. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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