CSU recognized as premier blood partner; hosts blood drive in May

Charleston Southern University has been recognized by the American Red Cross as one of its Premier Blood Partners for 2020 for its support of the community and national blood supply.

Last year, CSU helped the Red Cross collect 368 units of blood as part of its commitment to save lives of patients in our communities. These donations were enough to save 1,104 lives. 

“Our student organizations were vital to reaching these numbers,” Director of Student Activities Kevin Coriolan said. “Because of our Bucs, we are one of the most effective Red Cross Blood Drive sites in the Charleston tri-county area, given our centralized location, convenient parking, spacious hosting areas, and easy-to-navigate campus.”

Organizations who hosted blood drives last year included:

• Campus Activities Board
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
• Outdoor Adventure Club
• College Republicans
• Psychology Club
• Athletic Training Club
• African American Society
• American Criminal Justice Association
• Student Nursing Association
• Pre-Medicine Club
• CSU Football Team

Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors across the country are needed to help save lives. Donations are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease, according to the Red Cross.

CSU will host another blood drive on Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. at 5 p.m. at the Brewer Center gym. Community members are urged to come out and roll up a sleeve. 

“The American Red Cross is proud to say that we have been partnering with Charleston Southern University for over 20 years and are particularly proud to partner with the university on May 8 in order to keep blood on our hospital shelves for our patients during this uncertain time,” said Kate Lilly, account manager at American Red Cross in South Carolina.

The blood drive will have several safety measures in place due to pandemic social distancing guidelines and will take donations by appointment only. Please be aware that donors will:

• Receive a temperature check before entering the area to give blood.
• Stay six feet apart before and during blood donation at the site.
• Wear a mask before entering the building.

“We encourage the community to join CSU in giving the gift of life. The donation process only takes about an hour and can make an enormous life-saving difference,” Coriolan said.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code CharlestonSouthern. Donors of all blood types are needed.

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