Blood center beseeches donors
Because of a critical need for blood lately, officials at the Shepeard Community Blood Center are asking for the help of donors.
Friends and staff members watch Friday as Dr. Volker E. Dube, the medical director for Shepeard Community Blood Center, cuts the ribbon signifying the center's new Evans location as a member of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. The center officially opened the center on North Belair Road next to Fatz Cafe on July 5. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Photo by Valerie Rowell
With inventories of all blood types depleted, Pamela Rascon, Shepeard's director of Community Resources, said those with O positive, O negative, A negative and B positive blood are strongly urged to donate.
"We have traditionally experienced a dip in the donations," she said. "There's an increase in the usage of the blood and the blood products. We desperately need it."
Typically, in mid-to-late August, Rascon said, there is a national shortage of blood, which could be related to summertime boating and car wrecks.
Another reason for the need, she said, could be because of elective surgeries that many patients choose to have after school is back in session and the summer vacation season has ended.
In less than an hour, a blood donor can donate one pint of blood.
"One blood donation saves three lives," Rascon said. "One blood product can be split into red cells, plasma or platelets."
For those who cannot donate, Rascon advises them to encourage others to donate in their absence.
"There's just such a high need for blood," she said. "We need more people to come out and give."
Donors can visit any of the following locations:
- Shepeard Community Blood Center, 1533 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, 737-4551, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays
- Shepeard Community Blood Center, 112 Davis Road, Martinez, 854-1880, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays
- Shepeard Community Blood Center, 460 N. Belair Road, Evans, 854-1582, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays
- Shepeard Community Blood Center, 1019 Pine Log Road, Aiken, (803) 643-7996, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays