American Red Cross Month- March 12th

It has been 12 days since the start of National American Red Cross Month and it is by far one of the most important times of the year for the Red Cross. People across the nation are taking the time to make difference in all different facets of this wonderful organization. With my main focus being on the blood donation aspect, it is my goal to be a positive influence and inspire others to follow in the footsteps of so many before who have given the gift of life.

It's only natural to wonder what happens to your collected blood after the donation has taken place. Before the blood is utilized, it takes a trip to one of the 5 Red Cross National Testing Labs. While at the lab, the blood is tested in order to establish blood type and it is tested for infectious diseases. Once the blood has been tested and both aspects have been established, then the donor is notified of their blood type via a frequent donor card if they are a first time donor, and they are also notified if their blood tested positive for an infectious disease. All test results are confidential between the Red Cross and the donor. So no worries there! After donating, your blood donation is in good, capable hands!

Hopefully now  your mind is at ease and you are ready to donate! Here are tomorrow's (March 13th) blood drives around the state of South Carolina:*

All South Federal Credit Union- Columbia (Trenholm Road Location)

Capitol Center- Columbia

Nucor Building Systems- Swansea

First United Methodist Church- Winnsboro

Aynor Elementary School- Aynor

*All dates and locations were obtained via the official American Red Cross website.