Support Western North Carolina by Donating Blood at SMPC’s American Red Cross Blood Drive

By SMPC’s American Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator Bill Ramsey

The storms which impacted the Southeastern US in September forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives,  causing thousands of blood donations to go uncollected.  The resulting loss of electrical power, communication, transportation, businesses, jobs, homes and community infrastructure damage will continue to keep willing donors from being able to participate even if drives can be scheduled within a reasonable distance.

We are blessed to be in a safe place where we can give blood to those in need.  The need for blood and platelets is constant, but particularly now in our region.  It is important for people who can give  blood to find a drive and donate.  Share this information with family members, coworkers, neighbors, members of your social groups, your HOA, friends and colleagues and encourage them to join you and register to donate.  An hour of your time and just a pint of your blood can save a life, make a chemo treatment possible, provide an infusion for persons with blood diseases, assure that a surgery is scheduled.

During 2024 SMPC partnered with the Red Cross to host four blood drives.  The results of those drives were a total of 122 donations collected.  Of those donations 48 were made by members of SMPC.  Fifteen of the total donors were first time donors.  Over 20 members of our congregation donated their time and effort, volunteering to assist donors and the Red Cross staff complete the drives.  To all of those donors and volunteers, a heartfelt thank you on behalf of those who received the blood and blood products collected.

Because of the need we have already scheduled one additional drive for 2025.  The next blood drive at SMPC will be at held in the Commons the first Saturday of 2025, January, 4^th, from 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m..  Please consider making a gift of life to someone in need.  You can register for your preferred time slot online on the SMPC website or at redcrossblood.org.  You can also sign up to volunteer during the blood drive here. If you have questions please contact Bill Ramsey.