Capital Rotary Club & First Citizens Sponsor Blood Drive for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2008

Save a Life & See America

Participate in donating blood or platelets from July 1 to September 30, 2008 and enter a drawing for a $1,000 gas card

COLUMBIA, SC – June 26, 2008 – After visiting the American Red Cross on a 5th Wed meeting, members of the Capital Rotary Club were amazed at the tremendous shortage in blood that our American Red Cross is currently experiencing. Our goal is to contribute 70 pints of blood to the American Red Cross. To accomplish this goal we need more than 120 potential donors. We have partnered with First Citizens to make sure we meet this goal – we need YOU to participate.

Capital Rotary & First Citizens sponsored blood drive:

Thursday, July 17, 2009

9:00 am – 3 pm

First Citizens Center

(Lady & Main St) Bloodmobile    

We will welcome walk-ins but it will be best for all if you register for a time to donate. This will prevent you from waiting and allow our volunteers to stay on track with the process.

Scheduling an appointment is simple:

1. Visit www.givelife.org, (if you reach a prompt that asked for a zip code or sponsor code, enter firstcitizens as one word).

2. Select the July 17th event and then select a time slot.

3. You will be prompted to enter your profile information if you are not already registered with the American Red Cross.

4. If you prefer to call for an appointment contact Teri Lewis at 733-2709 and be sure to tell her that you are signing up for the Capital Rotary and First Citizens blood drive on July 17th.   

Did you know…..

  • The blood bank in Columbia, SC is currently at about a 1/2 day supply.
  • One accident or major surgery could wipe out the blood bank entirely.
  • One in 10 persons entering the hospital will need blood.
  • 60% of the population is eligible to donate, but sadly only 5% ever take the time.

 

Why is the blood bank experiencing such low blood supplies?

  • The US Military has traditionally been a major donor, however at this time they are keeping their donations for military use – this has hurt blood banks where military bases have been primary donors – like Columbia.
  • College students are also a primary supply – during the summer college towns like Columbia suffer.

 

If you are eligible to donate (check eligibility) and want to help your community, then take that simple step and register for this blood drive.

If you are not eligible, encourage someone else to donate and/or come out to volunteer.  
 
Check out these resources….

Go to: www.givelife.org

Donor Eligibility

Tips for a good donation experience

Top 10 Reasons to Give Blood

I am not eligible to donate, how can I help?