Sustaining our community blood supply …
RMC Preparing for Summer Blood Needs with July 7 Community Blood Drive at Prince of Orange Mall |
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 | Holidays and the vacation season, times of increased travel and increased accidents, often bring a critical need for blood. To prepare for anticipated blood needs, the Blood Donor Center at the Regional Medical Center has scheduled a Community Blood Drive on Thursday, July 7, from 12 noon until 5 p.m. at the Prince of Orange Mall front parking lot.
“During holidays and the vacation season, blood supplies are usually down; therefore, we want to remind and encourage the community to participate in the blood drive at the Prince of Orange Mall or to visit RMC’s Blood Donor Center before heading to their vacation or holiday destination,” noted Gary Ferguson, Laboratory and Blood Program Director.
“We extend a special thanks to all who immediately respond when RMC’s blood supplies are extremely low and to those who donate on a regular basis and help sustain our blood supply. All blood types are needed on an ongoing basis,” he added.
Since 1974 the Regional Medical Center’s Blood Assurance Program has supplied the blood needs for the Orangeburg and Calhoun region. “These needs grow every year,” noted Blood Donor Center Supervisor Gail Lott.
Accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks and the Food and Drug Administration, the Regional Medical Center’s Blood Assurance Program (BAP) maintains the highest standards in blood collection and testing.
Blood for the BAP is collected from community members in three ways: 1) at the Blood Donor Center located at the Regional Medical Center, 2) on the traveling bloodmobile, and 3) at special community events like the July 7 blood drive.
“Our bloodmobile travels throughout the region so that staff can collect blood on site at area schools, churches, businesses and industries. These special groups serve a vital role in meeting the blood needs of our community,” said Lott.
To be eligible to donate blood, a person must weigh at least 110 pounds. The minimum age requirement for blood donors is 17, with parental permission. There is no maximum age limit, as long as a person is healthy. The entire process takes about 30 minutes; about 10 minutes for screening, 10 for donating a pint, and about 10 to “rest” and have a cookie and some juice before leaving.
For more information about the July 7 blood drive at the mall or to schedule a blood drive, please call RMC’s Blood Donor Center at 803-395-2419.
Located on the Regional Medical Center’s first floor next to the Lab, the Blood Donor Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday (except holidays). Appointments are encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis. |
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