As the American Red Cross of South Carolina continues its mission of collecting lifesaving blood during this COVID-19 pandemic, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has stepped up once again and is donating $150,000 dollars to the organization.
According to Rod Tolbert, regional CEO of the American Red Cross of South Carolina, one of the biggest challenges remains collecting and maintaining a healthy blood supply for patients across South Carolina. Blood donations not only support patients who need transfusions for treatment, but also, support patients currently battling COVID-19. Over the past 12 months there have been an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations across the country. He said, “As communities continue to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19, we must remain committed to the work of collecting blood. The cost of that life-saving work has increased because of this pandemic, and we are grateful for community partners that support us and allow these efforts to continue. In South Carolina alone, more than 30 hospitals depend on that lifesaving blood being on the shelves and available to meet the need across our communities.”
Bruce Hughes, president of BlueCross’ government programs, and long-time board member of the American Red Cross of South Carolina said that BlueCross’ financial contribution represented a tangible effort to support all South Carolinians in the midst of the pandemic. He said, “COVID-19 has been a nearly year-long health crisis, and it continues. With so many stories about its effects, the challenge of maintaining a healthy blood supply often falls below the headlines and easily gets lost. Nevertheless, the need is real. I am proud of BlueCross for being such a good corporate citizen and providing funding to the Red Cross during this period. I know the difference that it makes.”
One of the most important things people can do right now during this public health emergency is to give blood. If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by visiting RedCrossBlood.org. The Red Cross is also collecting convalescent plasma at over 170 locations throughout the country and antibody testing all blood donations collected at blood drives – making every blood or convalescent plasma donation an opportunity to help COVID-19 patients at a time when the need is great.
You can also make a donation, of any size, to help the American Red Cross continue to deliver its lifesaving mission across South Carolina by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word CORONAVIRUS to 90999. These funds will help us make the urgent investments needed to ensure people can continue to turn to the Red Cross for help and hope—when it’s needed most.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC
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