On Wednesday, The Red Cross of South Carolina honored Savannah Tapler, a Lexington Medical Center employee, and Red Cross partner, for coordinating 100 blood drives. Tapler was presented the prestigious Red Cross Blood Drop Award along with a certificate of recognition from the Governor of South Carolina.

Since 2014, Tapler has supported the coordination of dozens of drives at different Lexington Medical locations. Wednesday marked the 100^th drive under her leadership. In that time, the Red Cross has collected nearly 6,000 units of blood from those drives. Over the past seven years, Savannah’s commitment resulted in a significant increase in donors at each drive, which are usually held every 56 days.

“Not only is Savannah a wonderful Red Cross supporter, but she is also, truly, a community hero. Her work has helped saved lives not only in South Carolina, but across the country,” said Rebecca Jordan, the Executive Director of the Central Chapter. “We are excited to continue working with Savannah and Lexington Medical as we continue to encourage new blood donors.

“It has been a privilege to partner with the American Red Cross of South Carolina and support their mission, which has become my personal passion.  Working at Lexington Medical Center, I know how valuable blood products are to our patients and community,” said Tapler.  Reaching 100 blood drives is a remarkable milestone, but more importantly over 18,000 lives were impacted by the generosity of Lexington Medical Center employees.  I am humbled and honored to be recognized by the Red Cross and First Lady Peggy McMaster and look forward to a continued partnership, especially during this critical time of need.”

About blood donation

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

Blood drive safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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