Red Cross needs blood donations after storm

The American Red Cross is one of the fixtures of disaster response worldwide. Its volunteers have been providing food, shelter and comfort to those affected by Hurricane Florence as impacts continue to add up, but one area of the Red Cross' efforts that can save lives has also taken a toll.

Nearly 200 blood drives in the Southeast were canceled because of the storm, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations. In South Carolina, 53 Red Cross blood drives were called off because of the storm, causing more than 1,300 donations to go uncollected, according to the agency.

"There is an especially critical need for platelets to help cancer patients and type O blood donations for ongoing patient care and emergencies. Every donation can be a lifeline for patients," said Cliff Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services.

How to help

People can help by making blood and platelet donations when it is safe to travel if they are in areas affected by Florence. Financial donations can also help support relief efforts. Appointments can be made to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767.)

Financial donations can be made by visiting www.RedCross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Sumter

- Thursday, Sept. 27: Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun St., 2 to 7 p.m.

- Saturday, Sept. 29: Shaw BX Exchange Building, 370 Rhodes Ave., Building 1403, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Monday, Oct. 1: YMCA of Sumter, 510 Miller Road, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

- Wednesday, Oct. 3: BD, 1575 Airport Road, 7 a.m. to noon

- Monday, Oct. 8: Health Sciences Center, 133 S. Main St., 1 to 5 p.m.

Requirements to donate

A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals 17 years old in most states - 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law - who weigh at least 110 pounds while being in "generally good health" may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.