American Red Cross Month- March 21st

As the month of March keeps dwindling down, I can't help but think ahead! Even though after the 31st National American Red Cross Month will be over, that doesn't mean that the advocation for and support of this wonderful organization has to be over, too! In fact, it means just the opposite! As March comes to a close, another month opens its doors. No, it may not be a month that is dedicated solely to promotion for the Red Cross, but it is a month when more blood drives will be held, more people will need blood transfusions, and more everyday Americans will become heros by giving the gift of life through blood donation.

I think that sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives that we don't take the time to properly identify with what is going on around us. There are blood drives going on everyday, but in the confusion of our own hectic schedules, rarely do we realize that they are taking place! Today, I wanted to share a quick statistic so that you could get an idea of how many blood drives actually happen each year. While we are going about running errands, working, attending classes, and doing whatever else our year encompasses, the American Red Cross is partnering with over 50,000 people who are volunteering their time to be blood drive sponsors each year! Together, the sponsors and Red Cross Representatives coordinate an astounding 200,000 blood drives in America every year! Thanks to their teamwork, countless blood donations are collected and many lives are saved!

When I first discovered this statistic, it was particularly heartwarming for me because this year, I am one of those 50,000 people. With 2 blood drives coming up, I'm beginning to become more and more excited with each passing day. I know the gratification that comes just from being a donor, so I can only imagine what it will be like being both that and a blood drive coordinator! My blood drives aren't until May and June, but as always, there are some taking place tomorrow! Here are March 22nd's blood drives in South Carolina:*

Spartanburg Community College- Gaffney

Lexington Medical Center- West Columbia

USC School of Business- Columbia (on campus, Darla Moore School of Business)

East Shore Athletic Club- Goose Creek

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

Be a Hero: Donate Blood, Save a Life