As severe winter weather and wildfires continue to affect communities across the country, the American Red Cross is urging donors to give blood or platelets to help maintain a stable blood supply. Donors of all blood types, especially type O negative, are needed to ensure hospitals can continue to provide critical care to patients in need.
Weather-Related Blood Drive Cancellations
Inclement weather has forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives across the nation, leading to over 10,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations in January alone. Among those, more than 1,000 were platelet donations. In South Carolina, four blood drives have been canceled since the beginning of the year, resulting in 73 missed donations. The disruptions have made it difficult to transport blood products where they are needed most, increasing the urgency for donors to step forward.
Why Donations Are Needed Now
With National Blood Donor Month underway, the Red Cross emphasizes the importance of donating as soon as possible. The winter season already presents challenges to blood collection, and the added impact of severe weather has made the situation even more critical. Those who are eligible to donate are encouraged to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As an incentive, all donors who give blood between January 27 and February 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. More details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities in the Midlands
Irmo:
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February 10: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Northwest Family YMCA, 1501 Kennerly Road
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February 10: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Ballentine Community Center, 1009 Bickley Road
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February 12: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Boulevard
Columbia:
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February 6: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Prisma Health Baptist Hospital Parkridge, 400 Palmetto Health Parkway
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February 9: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 1416 Broad River Road
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February 13: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Columbia High School, 1701 Westchester Drive
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February 13: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Irmo High School, 6671 St. Andrews Road
Sickle Cell Blood Drives in the Midlands:
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February 11: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., AC Flora High School, 1 Falcon Drive
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February 13: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Columbia High School, 1701 Westchester Drive
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February 19: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Columbia Housing Authority, 1917 Harden Street
The Red Cross’s Mission in South Carolina
The Red Cross serves as the primary blood provider for 28 hospitals in South Carolina, offering essential support to local communities. Beyond blood collection, the organization assists families affected by disasters, provides emergency training, and supports military personnel and veterans. Donors can take pride in knowing their contributions help both their neighbors and those in need across the country.
How to Donate Blood
Donating is simple. Individuals can book an appointment via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. For added convenience, blood donors can use RapidPass to complete pre-donation reading and health history questionnaires online before arriving at a donation site.
Eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent where permitted by state law), weighing at least 110 pounds, and being in good general health. High school students and younger donors must meet additional height and weight criteria.
Volunteer Opportunities
For those unable to donate blood, volunteering as a blood donor ambassador or transportation specialist is another meaningful way to support the Red Cross. Blood donor ambassadors help welcome and check in donors at blood drives, ensuring a smooth experience. Transportation specialists play a key role in delivering blood products to hospitals.
To learn more or apply for these volunteer positions, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday or contact a local Red Cross representative.
Now more than ever, the Red Cross needs donors and volunteers to help sustain its life-saving mission. Consider donating or volunteering today to make a lasting impact on the community.
