Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Sumter’s first responders are facing off in an epic blood battle – all in an effort to help save lives.
The American Red Cross is teaming up with Sumter’s Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), County Sheriff’s Office, and Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center for the fifth Battle of the Badges blood drive competition. The drive takes place on Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sumter County Library, 111 N. Harvin St. All presenting donors will receive a coupon by email for a free haircut, courtesy of Sport Clips, and a T-shirt, while supplies last.
Sumter residents are encouraged to join in the friendly competition by giving blood and voting for their favorite team. The team with the most votes earns a commemorative plaque. But the true winners are patients in need who count on blood donations every day.
The Red Cross has a long and committed history of serving the people of Sumter. The Red Cross installed more than 2,700 smoke alarms in Sumter County in the last year in partnership with the Sumter Fire Department. In addition, Red Cross volunteers helped nearly 330 people in Sumter County after they lost everything in home fires last year.
Since May, the Red Cross has provided these services and many more from its new location at the Arts and Letters building on the USC campus. The location allows the Red Cross to continue its close collaboration with community partners, providing critical services whenever and wherever they are needed.
To schedule an appointment to give blood at the Battle of the Badges blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: BattleBadgesSumter, call 1-800 RED CROSS or download the Blood Donor App. Walk-ins are welcome.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. Blood may be needed to help patients in a variety of situations. Premature infants, mothers experiencing complications during childbirth, patients undergoing treatment for cancer, or those with blood disorders – all may need lifesaving blood products as part of their medical care.
Items and offers are nontransferable and are not redeemable for cash. Available while supplies last.
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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.