The American Red Cross Blood Services, Southeast Region, has issued an official emergency appeal for blood donors in Charleston and Myrtle Beach. An appeal means that the region’s blood supply has reached a critical level of less than a three day supply. Currently, the region has less than a day’s supply available for surgeries and medical emergencies. All blood types are needed during this appeal, with O and B type blood donations on the top of the list. Red Cross officials notified area hospitals about the shortage through a prepared statement from Red Cross medical director, Jane B. Jennings, M.D.

The Southeast Region, as well as many other Red Cross regions around the country, has experienced low donor turnout in the past few weeks, a time leading up to the summer months when the blood supply traditionally reaches a low. “We begin the Fourth of July/summer season with a blood supply that is in the worst shape it has been in a long time,” said David Green, CEO for the Red Cross Blood Services, Southeast Region. “The potential for blood to be unavailable for large scale emergencies and disasters is enormous. We hope for a safe holiday, but the possibilities of accidents and the need for blood is ever present. The public is strongly urged to make their way to the nearest blood drive or donation center to give blood now.”

Donor center hours will be extended to handle the expected influx of donors from the appeal. “We anticipate a positive response from the public and encourage both regular and first time donors to make the effort to give the gift of life,” said Wayne Stalvey, Red Cross donor site manager in Charleston.” Donors of all blood types are needed now and throughout the summer.”

Those age 17 and older and weighing at least 110 pounds can give blood. Donors can give blood every 56 days, up to six times yearly. The entire process, from registration to refreshments, takes about an hour. The actual donation process takes 6-8 minutes.

The American Red Cross has altered its hours during this emergency appeal. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 pm., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Wayne Stalvey at (843) 852-2915, pager (800)731-6362 or Eileen Smith, communications specialist at (912) 651-5373 pager (800) 778-0283.

Blood drives open to public

Monday, July 6 Cisco's, 1114 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston

Tuesday, July 7 Jewish Community Center, 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd., Charleston; Christ Our King Church, 1122 Russell Dr., Mt. Pleasant

Wednesday, July 8 Summerville Medical Center, 295 Midland Parkway, Summerville; Pizza Hut/Oakbrook, 10115 Dorchester Rd., Summerville

Thursday, July 9 South Carolina Department of Transportation, 4145 Hwy 701N, Conway

Saturday, July 11 VFW Ladson 10154 Bellwright Rd., Ladson; Jumbo Sports, 8851 Rivers Av., North Charleston

Monday, July 13 Cisco's, 1114 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston; First Baptist Church, 124 South Memorial Blvd., Walterboro

Tuesday, July 14 Berkeley Electric Co-op, 414 N. Hwy 52, Moncks Corner