'It's not that scary': Parents of blood recipients call on community to donate blood

Just do it.

That's the message Chris Dexter wants people to get when considering blood donation to Shepeard Community Blood Center. Dexter's son, Alex, received multiple blood transfusions while undergoing chemotherapy. While his son was in treatment, Dexter donated blood four times and his wife donated two or three times but was unable to do so while she was pregnant.

Although Alex died from his cancer in 2020, Dexter continues to donate every eight weeks, which is how often one can give. He encourages others to give, too.

"It's not that scary," he said. "It's painless for the most part and it only takes 20 to 30 minutes out of your day. You're a real life superhero … You're going to be so happy you did it."

Alex is one of many children to require blood transfusions for illnesses. Shane Padgett's son, Andrew Padgett, required four transfusions after being admitted to the hospital Christmas Day 2019. Andrew has spherocytosis, a condition that affects red blood cells and often causes anemia. His hemogloblin level dropped to four and his body went into hemolysis, which is destruction of red blood cells. A normal hemoglobin level for children is between 11 and 13.

Since Padgett nor his wife are able to give blood, they have become advocates for others to donate and save lives like their son's.

"I don't think most people think it makes a big deal so they don't give blood, but when you need it due to critical cases and there is none, it means the situation will remain critical," Padgett said.

On May 19, Shepeard reported an already low amount of blood available to be distributed to the 23 hospitals it serves in Georgia and South Carolina. It has seen multiple shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic began last spring. It is the sole blood  distributor to University Hospital, AU Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

Summertime has people flocking to pools, beaches, parties and other activities, which creates more opportunity for car accidents and other incidents where blood transfusions might be needed. Because of many donors being out of town or busy, Shepeard sees a lower number of donors as need increases.

While summer does see an increase in blood transfusions, the need doesn’t really ever decrease, Director of Community Resources Ashley Whitaker said. Needs vary throughout the year, but Whitaker said if residents donated at least three times a year, it would end the current blood shortage.

Shepeard is encouraging donations of all blood types, but especially O positive and O negative. Those who have had the COVID-19 vaccine are still able to donate, Whitaker said.

The blood bank currently has three locations open in Aiken, Augusta and Evans, with plans to open a fourth location July 1 in Dublin. Bloodmobiles also visit various locations throughout the summer for blood drives. They are temperature controlled to make sure donors are comfortable.

Donors should be in good general health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old or 16 with written parental consent. They must also bring a photo ID or Shepeard donor card to donate.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call Shepeard at (706) 737-4551.

How to donate

Visit www.shepeardblood.org to find blood drive donation locations searchable by city, ZIP code, date and sponsor name and to register to donate. The three currently open Shepeard Community Blood Centers are: 

Augusta: 1533 Wrightsboro Road; (706) 737-4551; open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Evans: 4329 Washington Road; (706) 854-1582; open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday

Aiken: 353 Fabian Drive (in the Hitchcock Plaza Shopping Center); (803) 643-7996; open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday

Upcoming blood drives are planned for: 

June 3 – Lullwater at Riverwood, 120 Lullwater Drive, Evans; 3 to 7 p.m.

June 5 – Papa John's, 217 C Edgefield Road, North Augusta; noon to 4 p.m.

June 6 – Revivify Church Martinez, 4350 Wheeler Road; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Grace Church of Aiken, 144 Talatha Church Road, Aiken; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

June 7 – 2nd City Distilling Co., 4 8th St.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

June 8 – Augusta Oncology Associates, 3696 Wheeler Road; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Georgia Military College/Brenau, 115 David Road, Martinez; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

June 9 – Sizemore, 2003 Gordon Hwy.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 10 – Career Personnel Inc., 821 Broad St.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination opportunity also will be available for walk-ins from 10-11 a.m. with the Pfizer vaccine available for ages 12 years and older the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for ages 18 and older. Vaccinations will be administered by the Richmond County Health Department.