In order to offset the extraordinary challenges to the American Red Cross of South Carolina’s mission of collecting lifesaving blood and responding to disasters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nephron Pharmaceuticals generously donated a Dodge ProMaster 3500 Wednesday morning.

These workhorse vehicles are constantly on the go and are critical to our ability to collect, test and deliver blood to patients in need. In addition, when disasters large or small strike our community, the ProMaster 3500 is used to deliver relief items, providing families and individuals hope that recovery is possible. Without these vehicles, the Red Cross cannot deliver support to communities in need.

The demand for blood products across South Carolina continues to increase while donations remain a challenge. Over the coming years, this new vehicle will deliver hundreds of gallons of blood to hospitals. In South Carolina, 32 hospitals depend on that lifesaving blood being on the shelves and available to meet the need across our communities.

“This has been a very difficult time for everyone in South Carolina and we are encouraged to see a new phase in the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rod Tolbert, the Regional CEO of the Red Cross of South Carolina. “We are so appreciative of Nephron Pharmaceuticals and their generous donation and commitment to partner with us to better our communities and make them more resilient. Partners, like Nephron Pharmaceuticals, are vital to providing our state with the services they need.”

“Nephron is proud of the role our team has been able to play on the front lines of the nationwide response to COVID-19,” said Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy. “In fact, we believe it is our obligation to step up and serve during times of crises, and we are grateful for another opportunity to serve through this partnership with the Red Cross.”

Right now, the Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.  If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by visiting RedCrossBlood.org. You can also make a donation, of any size, to help the American Red Cross continue to deliver its lifesaving mission nationwide by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About the Nephron Pharmaceuticals:

A West Columbia, S.C.-based company, Nephron develops and produces safe, affordable generic inhalation solutions and suspension products, including those used to treat severe respiratory distress symptoms associated with COVID-19. The company also operates an industry-leading 503B Outsourcing Facility division which produces pre-filled sterile syringes and IV bags for hospitals across America, in an effort to alleviate their drug shortage needs. Nephron fills the needs of patients and health care professionals as they arise nationwide, and recently opened a CLIA-certified diagnostics lab.

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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