American Red Cross of South Carolina

Between end-of-school madness, milestone celebrations and summer prep, it’s a busy time of year and donation appointments are down. The need for blood doesn't stop though. We need you now! Please book a time to give: rcblood.org/app

In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the American Red Cross is continuing to help people in hard-hit areas with critical relief items. We’re especially grateful to partners like @united Airlines that are helping transport volunteers.

Here is a special message from Central Chapter Executive Director Denise Teasdell, encouraging you to donate at our upcoming Board of Directors blood drive on June 10th. Those who donate will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice.

We’re grateful to our partners at the Barnwell Fire Department, who teamed up with @RedCrossSC volunteers during a Sound the Alarm event over the weekend in Barnwell County. Together, we installed more than 90 smoke alarms and helped make nearly 30 homes safer.

Last week, we honored our wonderful Central Chapter volunteers during our volunteer recognition dinner. We would like to thank all of our volunteers for their time and dedication; we couldn’t do it without you.

Surprise! The Blood Donor Rewards store is open (again!) while supplies last. This time there's no limit to how many gifts your points can be redeemed for! Log in at RedCrossBlood.org/Rewards or use the Blood Donor App to claim your rewards. (T&C apply)

Yesterday, we honored our wonderful Upstate Chapter volunteers during our volunteer recognition dinner. We would like to thank all of our volunteers for their time and dedication; we couldn’t do it without you.

DID YOU KNOW: May is National Water Safety Month, a time to remind families that drowning is preventable, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death for young children and people under 30. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:

Emergencies are more common than you may think and can happen at any time. Prepare for the unexpected by making a plan to stay safe and connected. It’s also important to gather critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — and organize them into a go-kit.

“I did my first blood donation when I was in college 25 years ago. Now I just only donate platelets.” Jerry Moyes lives in White Rock, SC. Jerry encourages everyone to donate blood or platelets to help patients in need.

Every 15 seconds someone in the U.S. needs platelets. Platelets must be used within 5 days of donation. That means the need is constant! More platelet donors are needed to help the millions of Americans who need platelets every year for survival. Get info: lnkd.in/ePU5vJRF

Between end-of-school madness, milestone celebrations, the Memorial Day holiday and summer prep, it’s a busy time of year. The need for blood doesn't pause though. Can you spare about an hour to help save lives this month? Book with the Red Cross: rcblood.org/donate

DISASTER RESPONSE UPDATE: American Red Cross of South Carolina disaster-trained volunteers are assisting at least 30 people whose homes, located on Bayfield Road in Columbia, was damaged by a fire this morning. We're helping with immediate needs.

“I’ve been consistently donating for the last three months coming in to donate platelets.” Zane Alcorn of Columbia says donating platelets to help patients in need is incredibly rewarding.

May is Trauma Awareness Month. We can't predict when a trauma will happen, but your donation helps make sure hospitals have necessary blood products on hand the moment an injured patient arrives. Book your Red Cross blood or platelet donation appointment: rcblood.org/donate

The American Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters a year — and the majority are home fires. Here are some tips you and your family should follow if you do experience a home fire. • Alert your family • Never open warm doors • Designate a caller

“I’ve been donating platelets for almost a year now, it saves lives.” Terry Smith lives in West Columbia. Terry encourages everyone to donate blood to help patients in need.

A thank-you this big doesn’t come around often: Come to give blood or platelets May 1-17 and receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email from our partners at Amazon! That’s a seriously exciting gift for helping patients in need. Grab your spot: rcblood.org/4bM1Rn5

American Red Cross of South Carolina volunteer Richard Puffer, of Hartsville, SC, recently deployed to South Georgia to support individuals and families impacted by wildfires affecting the area. More from: @spectrumnewssc spectrumlocalnews.com/sc/south-carol…

Spring is a good time to remember that your blood donation is needed each season to help ensure a stable supply is available. Spring into action by making an appointment today! Book now at rcblood.org/appt.