Blood drives coming to Bishopville, Manning

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As hospitals begin to ramp back up with non-emergency and elective procedures after putting them on hold to prevent the system from being overwhelmed by COVID-19, there is an increasing demand for donated blood.

Blood donors are "urgently needed" to prevent another shortage like the one that occurred at the onset of the pandemic in March, according to the American Red Cross. In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has increased by 30% after sharply declining in April amid this rapidly changing and complex public health crisis.

At the same time, the agency says, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed or are running on limited services.

To thank those who step up to help, those who donate through May 31 will receive a free "We're All in This Together" Red Cross T-shirt by mail while supplies last, and those who donate in June will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email.

Healthy people who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

"Blood donors have played a vital role in the lives of patients who have needed lifesaving transfusions during this pandemic, and patients continue to depend on donors each and every day," said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services. "The Red Cross appreciates the support of those who rolled up a sleeve to give in recent months, but the need doesn't stop. We need the public's help to avoid another blood shortage this summer."

Red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation, platelets within just five days, according to the Red Cross. So, they must constantly be replenished.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows additional precautions in light of the pandemic, including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff.

Donors must schedule an appointment prior to arriving and are required to wear a face covering or mask.

Upcoming area blood drives

Bishopville: Tuesday, June 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., South Carolina Cotton Museum, 121 W. Cedar Lane

Manning: Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Wyboo Plantation, 1 Recreation Drive