Start a lifesaving habit by giving blood with the American Red Cross

COLUMBIA, SC – January 16-31 – The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to start a lifesaving habit by becoming a regular blood donor this year, starting with National Blood Donor Month in January.

January is a challenging time for blood donations. Inclement weather can result in blood drive cancellations, and cold and flu season may cause some donors to be unable to make or keep blood donation appointments. National Blood Donor Month, celebrated in January since 1970, raises awareness of the need for blood during the winter and throughout the year, while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

Blood donation centers and blood donation opportunities by county, Jan. 16-31:

American Red Cross Columbia Blood Donation Center, 2751 Bull St.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.

American Red Cross Sumter Blood Donation Center, 1155 N. Guignard Drive

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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Allendale

Allendale:

1/27/2015: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Collums Lumber Mill, 1723 Barnwell Road

Fairfax:

1/23/2015: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Allendale-Fairfax High School, Highway 278 West

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Barnwell

1/30/2015: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Barnwell High School, 474 Jackson St.

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Lexington

Cayce:

1/18/2015: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Broadacres Baptist Church, 2350 Taylor Road

1/21/2015: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., CMC Steel South Carolina, 310 New State Road

Cayce-West Columbia:

1/30/2015: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, 3300 West Campus Road

Lexington:

1/22/2015: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, 521 Gibson Road

Pelion:

1/28/2015: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Pelion High School Mini Gym, 600 Lydia Drive

West Columbia:

1/19/2015: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Central Church of the Nazarene, 100 South Woodside Parkway

1/29/2015: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Airport High School, 1315 Boston Ave.

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Richland

Columbia:

1/19/2015: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., TRC, 1 Technology Circle

1/23/2015: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Ben Lippen School, 7401 Monticello Road

1/23/2015: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., USC-School of Medicine (VA Campus), 6311 Garners Ferry Road

1/25/2015: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Shandon United Methodist, 3407 Devine St.

1/25/2015: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tree of Life Congregation, 6719 N. Trenholm Road

1/26/2015: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Columbia College, 1300 Columbia College Drive

1/27/2015: 8:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., Merrill Lynch, 1224 Sumter St.

1/27/2015: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road

1/29/2015: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., USC Capstone Scholars, 1705 College St.

Irmo:

1/24/2015: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mt Olive Lutheran Church, 1541 Lake Murray Blvd.

1/28/2015: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Oak Pointe Elementary School, 1 River Bottom Road

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Sumter

1/18/2015: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1137 Alice Drive

1/22/2015: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Crestwood High School, 2000 Oswego Rd.

1/31/2015: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., First Missionary Baptist Church, 129 South Washington St.

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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.

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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 visit us on Twitter at@RedCross.

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