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In the month of August, when you donate blood, you can help save lives and empower your own health. Each successful donation will get free AIC testing to screen for prediabetes and diabetes and a $15 e-gift card to your choice of merchant.

The donation site in Hartsville is equipped to conduct two types of blood donations: whole blood and Power Red donations.

Whole blood donations are needed for trauma patients and people undergoing surgery. This is the most flexible type of donation where approximately a pint of whole blood is collected. This type of donation is ideal for all blood types and is usually completed in one hour. Donors can donate whole blood donations every 56 days, up to six times a year.

The Power Red donation collects a concentrated dose of red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. The process takes about one and a half hours to complete and is ideal for those donors with type A Neg, B Neg, or O blood.

Power Red donations benefit trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia and anyone suffering blood loss. There are height and weight requirements for this type of donation. Healthy individuals may donate every 112 days or up to three times a year.

Amber Russell, 6th District County Commissioner, coordinates the recurring blood drives in Hartsville with the American Red Cross.

To save time and to register online for the Aug. 18 donation event, visit .