Hospice Care schedules blood drive

Hospice Care of South Carolina celebrates November as National Hospice Month. Hospice affirms life and dignity. As an affirmation of life and a celebration of Hospice Month, Hospice Care of South Carolina will be hosting a Blood Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at their office located at 1612 N. Limestone St. just below the hospital.

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood which means that more than 38,000 blood donations a day are needed to meet the demand. While hospice is a service to help people when they reach the end of life, it is also a service that celebrates life and helps individuals live life to the fullest. "It is our hope that through a blood drive we can give something back to this community who has given us so much. Hospice celebrates life and what better way to celebrate than to help those in need," commented Amanda Knowles, Community Relations Director for Hospice Care of South Carolina.

Some facts about blood needs:

One out of every 10 people admitted in a hospital needs blood.

Total blood transfusions in a given year: 14 million (2001).

The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.

The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.

The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.

Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98 percent of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.

More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

To reserve a specific time for your donation, please contact Hospice Care of South Carolina at 487-3166 and a time can be reserved for you. You can also email your reservation to amandak@ hospicecare.net. Walkins are also welcome the day of the drive.