To help the American Red Cross of South Carolina’s in its mission to collect lifesaving blood and respond to disasters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nephron Pharmaceuticals donated a Dodge ProMaster 3500 Wednesday morning. Nephron is just outside of Cayce and has a West Columbia address.

The vehicle is needed to collect, test and deliver blood to patients in need. Also, when disasters strike, the ProMaster 3500 is used to deliver relief items to families and individuals for recovery.

The demand for blood products across South Carolina continues to increase while donations remain a challenge. Over the coming years, this new vehicle will deliver hundreds of gallons of blood to hospitals. In South Carolina, 32 hospitals depend on that lifesaving blood being on the shelves and available to meet the need across our communities.

“Nephron is proud of the role our team has been able to play on the front lines of the nationwide response to COVID-19,” said Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy. “In fact, we believe it is our obligation to step up and serve during times of crises, and we are grateful for another opportunity to serve through this partnership with the Red Cross.”

“This has been a very difficult time for everyone in South Carolina and we are encouraged to see a new phase in the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rod Tolbert, the Regional CEO of the Red Cross of South Carolina. “We are so appreciative of Nephron Pharmaceuticals and their generous donation and commitment to partner with us to better our communities and make them more resilient. Partners, like Nephron Pharmaceuticals, are vital to providing our state with the services they need.”

Right now, the Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.  If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by visiting RedCrossBlood.org. You can also make a donation, of any size, to help the American Red Cross continue to deliver its lifesaving mission nationwide by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).