teathTop-Rated Orthodontist near Cross, SC

Love Your New Smile with Affordable Braces from Reese Orthodontics

Orthodontist near Cross, SC

A smile is such a simple thing, but it can hold so much power. Smiling is universally considered to be a way that humans display joy. Smiles communicate to others how we're feeling and are often the best way to break the ice when meeting a new person. A good-natured smile can work wonders, but if you're like most folks, your smile may not be perfect.

At Reese Orthodontics, we hear stories from people who feel ashamed, embarrassed, and even intimidated to flash their smiles. Thankfully, our practice offers reliable, cost-effective orthodontic solutions that give patients more self-esteem, more confidence, and perhaps most importantly - a healthier mouth.

Because the truth is that oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic problems like misaligned teeth, difficulty chewing, or shifting jaws should be taken seriously. If orthodontic problems are left untreated, you may experience abnormal enamel wear, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Working with a board-certified, respected orthodontist and community member like Dr. Reese can provide many benefits, including:

  • Proper Teeth and Jaw Functionality
  • Healthier Smile and Facial Structure
  • Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss Prevention
  • A Better Bite for Easy and Effective Speaking and Chewing
  • Avoid Costly Dental Procedures That Orthodontic Treatment Can Address Early

Unfortunately, looking for the best orthodontist near Cross, SC is hard - and we're not even talking about trying to sift through and digest all the information out there on braces and Invisalign. With so much information on the web, and much of it with conflicting viewpoints, how are you supposed to know which options are the best for you and your family? Dr. Reese and his team of specialized dental experts have made it their mission to help.

The Reese Orthodontics Difference

 Braces Cross, SC

At Reese Orthodontics, our dedicated team collaborates with you to deliver a treatment that not only enhances your smile but also boosts your confidence and supports your long-term health. If you're in search of an orthodontist near Cross, SC, whether for yourself, your child, or a loved one, we provide cutting-edge technology and treatment options designed for a comfortable and effective orthodontic experience.

Parents seeking care for their children can expect a fun, positive environment that prioritizes their child's comfort and security alongside their dental health. Our orthodontist for kids near Cross, SC, helps ensure our treatments result in a beautiful smile. However, you should know that aesthetic outcomes are secondary to our primary focus: achieving proper jaw alignment for a healthy bite and unobstructed breathing. We're committed to that goal and to working hand-in-hand with you to ensure that your treatment leads to a smile that enhances your confidence and long-term health.

Some of the orthodontic treatments in which we specialize include:

  • Adult Orthodontic Treatment
  • Child Orthodontic Treatment
  • Invisalign
  • Invisalign Teen
  • Braces
  • Retainers
  • Airway Support
  • More

If you're looking for one of the top orthodontists in The Palmetto State who prioritizes professionalism, compassion, and effective treatments, Reese Orthodontics. Getting started with our orthodontics practice is as easy as 1-2-3:

01

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation with Dr. Reese

During your orthodontic consultation with Dr. Reese, he will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and bite to identify your needs. He'll inquire about your medical and dental history and discuss your treatment goals. He may also take x-rays, photos, and impressions to gather more information. Dr. Reese will walk you through the treatment options available, outlining the pros and cons of each, and will provide you with an estimate of the associated costs and duration. By the end of your visit, you'll have a solid understanding of your options, empowering you to make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment.

 Invisalign Cross, SC

02

Start Your Orthodontic Treatment

At Reese Orthodontics, Dr. Reese develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient, utilizing X-rays, photos, and impressions. This comprehensive plan details the orthodontic appliances needed, the estimated duration of treatment, and the anticipated results. Dr. Reese collaborates closely with patients to ensure that the plan fits their lifestyles and preferences, providing guidance and support throughout the entire process. With a customized approach from Reese Orthodontics, patients can pursue their desired outcomes with confidence and peace of mind.

 Retainers Cross, SC

03

Flash Those Pearly Whites!

Choosing orthodontic treatment at Reese Orthodontics comes with numerous advantages, including better oral health, an improved smile, and enhanced functionality. Dr. Reese tailors treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs, utilizing cutting-edge technology such as digital impressions and 3D printing. The knowledgeable and compassionate team at Reese Orthodontics is committed to providing top-notch care throughout your orthodontic journey. In summary, opting for orthodontic treatment at Reese Orthodontics not only boosts oral health and appearance but also ensures a personalized experience driven by the latest advancements in technology and a dedicated team.

 Orthodontic Treatment Cross, SC

Your pathway to a beautiful smile starts by choosing the treatment options best for your lifestyle.

Invisalign near Cross, SC

Invisalign is a teeth straightening system that employs a series of clear aligners designed to gradually move your teeth into their correct alignment. Invisalign treatments from Reese Orthodontics are custom-made to fit your mouth through a precise 3D scan, allowing us to carefully plan and implement adjustments throughout your treatment. While you should avoid certain foods, you can still enjoy the things you love when you're undergoing Invisalign treatment. So, if you love waking up on the weekend and going to Magnolias near Cross, you can still do so without harming your progress.

Unlike traditional mouthguards or retainers, you can easily remove your Invisalign aligner when it's time to eat, brush, or floss. More than just holding your teeth in place, each aligner gently guides your teeth into their healthier positions. Every Invisalign aligner is tailored to meet your specific needs, and as your teeth shift, we create new aligners to continue your treatment effectively.

Orthodontist Cross, SC

Invisalign is perfect for teens and adults who have:

  • Gapped or Spaced Teeth
  • Overcrowded Teeth
  • Crooked Teeth
  • Crossbites, Underbites, or Overbites

How Does Invisalign Help Orthodontic Patients in South Carolina?

As is the case with most teeth straightening procedures, Invisalign provides you with both aesthetic and oral health benefits. Some of those benefits include:

Comfortable

Comfortable to Wear

Invisalign is crafted from a high-quality medical-grade polymer that has been specifically engineered for comfort and durability. This advanced material is designed to be soft and smooth, making it exceptionally gentle on the sensitive tissues of the mouth, including the gums and inner cheeks. The biocompatibility of the polymer ensures that it minimizes irritation, allowing for a more comfortable experience during the teeth straightening process.

Discreet

Subtly Discreet

Invisalign aligners are crafted with clear, custom-fit trays that are specifically designed to be inconspicuous. These aligners allow you to straighten your teeth without the visibility of traditional metal braces. The transparent design ensures that you can wear them comfortably throughout your daily activities-whether at work, school, or social gatherings-without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment.

convenience

Maximum Convenience

The convenience of being able to remove your Invisalign trays allows you to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages without restriction, just like you could prior to orthodontic treatment. Taking a trip to Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve near Cross and want to eat a hot dog while you're there? Go ahead and enjoy. You can also brush and floss your teeth with ease, ensuring that your dental health remains a priority throughout your treatment.

Confidence

More Confidence

You can feel confident knowing that you're making strides toward achieving a beautiful smile, all while avoiding any embarrassment about food getting stuck in your braces!

Oral

Top-Notch Oral Health

Braces, with their brackets, wires, and elastics, can harbor bacteria and food particles, making oral hygiene difficult. This complexity increases the risk of plaque buildup and dental issues. In contrast, Invisalign near Cross, SC, uses clear aligners that are removable, allowing for easier access to teeth for brushing and flossing. This simplicity promotes better oral hygiene and helps maintain healthy gums during treatment.

Reliable

Reliable Results

When it comes to fixing a misaligned bite, Invisalign consistently helps our clients achieve their goals. Wave goodbye to underbites, overbites, and all the nuances in between with this proven orthodontic solution.

Affordable Braces in South Carolina

Braces are among the first treatment options that your orthodontist near Cross, SC, will prescribe when you have treatable oral health issues. At Reese Orthodontics, we understand that cost is a crucial factor when looking for affordable braces in South Carolina. We believe that financial concerns should never stand in the way of getting the orthodontic treatment you need.

That's why we strive to help you navigate your budget while still delivering top-notch orthodontic care. Our goal is to make your treatment costs as manageable and straightforward as possible. From handling your insurance paperwork to providing no- or low-interest payment options, we're here to take the stress out of the financial side so you can concentrate on what truly matters-achieving a healthy, happy smile.

Depending on your teeth and oral health needs, you can choose from a variety of braces options, including:

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are an excellent choice for aligning your smile and bite effectively. Metal braces are usually what people think of when they're considering an orthodontist. We're here to help you choose the best options for your needs and guide you through the process every step of the way.

 Braces Cross, SC
 Invisalign Cross, SC

Clear Braces

For many patients, traditional metal braces may do the job, but the desire for a more discreet option is common. Clear braces serve as an excellent alternative, featuring brackets that blend seamlessly with the color of your teeth, making them nearly invisible!

Gold Braces

Looking to make a bold statement with your orthodontic treatment? We're excited to offer gold braces near Cross, SC, featuring a stunning gold finish. These distinctive braces, crafted by 3M Unitek, are just as sturdy and reliable as traditional metal braces, providing both style and strength.

 Retainers Cross, SC
 Orthodontic Treatment Cross, SC

Damon Braces

Damon braces represent a state-of-the-art orthodontic solution designed to straighten your teeth without the hassle of elastic ties. Offered in both clear and metal options, Damon braces are not only easier to clean but also more visually appealing. They can provide you with a wider smile compared to traditional braces, making them a great choice for your orthodontic needs.

Kid's Braces

Seeing an orthodontist for kids near Cross, SC, is one of the best decisions you can make as a parent. Reese Orthodontics brings years of experience in providing braces for kids. Having your child evaluated for braces early on goes beyond mere appearance. Early orthodontic treatment can effectively shape the growth and development of your child's jaw and teeth, helping to prevent more serious issues down the line.

Orthodontist Cross, SC

Retainers

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Once your braces come off, whether it's for you or your child, it's a moment to celebrate your beautiful, new smile. To ensure that all the effort and investment into your orthodontic treatment pays off, we recommend that you consider retainers. These devices help keep your smile straight long after your braces are removed. Keep reading to discover the importance of retainers and the benefits they offer after your braces treatment is complete.

What Exactly is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made dental appliance that helps maintain the alignment of your teeth after completing orthodontic treatment, such as braces. Once your braces are removed, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions, and a retainer plays a crucial role in keeping them in place. Without a retainer, your teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions over time, potentially undoing all the progress made during treatment. Retainers are typically worn for a period of time following braces treatment, and your orthodontist will provide guidance on how often and when to wear it to ensure long-lasting results.

Retainer Options at Reese Orthodontics

Retainers from Reese Orthodontics come in one of two forms - removable and fixed. Each option has its own benefits, which include:

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are the most common type and can be easily taken in and out of your mouth. These retainers are typically made of clear plastic and are custom-fitted to your teeth. Since they are removable, you have the flexibility to take them out while eating, brushing, or flossing. With a removable retainer, it's easy to keep your teeth clean and maintain good oral hygiene.

Benefits of Removable Retainers:

  • Convenient and easy to clean
  • Discreet and comfortable to wear
  • Flexible - can be removed when eating or brushing
  • Allows for easy maintenance of oral hygiene
 Braces Cross, SC
 Invisalign Cross, SC

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers, also known as permanent retainers, are attached to the back of your teeth and are designed to stay in place permanently (or until your orthodontist recommends removal). They consist of a thin wire bonded to the inside of your teeth, usually on the lower or upper arch. Fixed retainers provide the benefit of being non-removable, ensuring that your teeth stay in place without the risk of forgetting to wear a retainer.

Benefits of Fixed Retainers:

  • Provide continuous support and prevent shifting of teeth
  • No need to worry about remembering to wear your retainer
  • Highly effective for long-term retention
  • Ideal for patients who may have difficulty with removable retainers

01Start Your Orthodontic Treatment

Removable retainers are crafted from molds of your teeth and can be made from durable plastic or acrylic with a wire. One of their key benefits is that they can be taken out to eat, brush, and floss, giving them a distinct advantage over fixed retainers. For the best results, you need to follow your orthodontist's guidelines regarding care and the duration for which you should wear them.

02Get Personalized Treatment Plan

At Reese Orthodontics, Dr. Reese develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient, utilizing X-rays, photos, and impressions. This comprehensive plan details the orthodontic appliances needed, the estimated duration of treatment, and the anticipated results. Dr. Reese collaborates closely with patients to ensure that the plan fits their lifestyles and preferences, providing guidance and support throughout the entire process. With a customized approach from Reese Orthodontics, patients can pursue their desired outcomes with confidence and peace of mind.

Removable retainers should be worn for a minimum of 20 hours each day during the first 12 months after your braces are taken off. Following this period, Dr. Reese will evaluate how your teeth are settling in and decide whether you need to continue wearing the retainer full-time or if you can switch to a nighttime-only schedule.

Airway Support

When it comes to oral health, there's a lot more to consider than just how your teeth align. When you see a trusted orthodontist near Cross, SC, like Dr. Reese, one of the first steps they'll take is to assess your airway and jaw structure. But why is this important?

Throughout your life, the development of your jaw structure plays a key role in the health of your airway, teeth, and tongue posture. Did you know that healthy breathing relies on breathing through your nose? If there are anatomical variations in your nasal passages, jaw structure, or tongue posture, it can lead to improper breathing and potentially disrupt your sleep. These issues can significantly affect your overall health and quality of life, both for you and your child.

Dr. Reese takes a holistic approach by crafting a treatment plan that addresses your complete well-being, not just your teeth. Our goal is to provide better health and comfort for you or your child from start to finish.

Orthodontic Treatment Options to Help You Breathe Better

 Retainers Cross, SC

To improve your airway, the first step is identifying any airway issues and their root causes. Addressing these problems usually requires a team of airway specialists, including orthodontists.

For children, we assess their medical history, jaw development, and the size of tonsils and adenoids. Treatment typically involves orthodontic growth modification alongside evaluations by other healthcare providers. In adults, underdeveloped jaws can lead to sleep apnea or nasal airway resistance, but since jaw growth stops in the teen years, growth modification isn't an option. Nonetheless, there are still various treatments available to enhance the airway in adults.

Your treatment options may include:

  • Jaw Surgery
  • Snoring Appliances
  • Expansion Treatment

Long-Lasting Oral Health Begins at Reese Orthodontics

Google Rating 5.0 Based on 492 Reviews

Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist near Cross, SC, has brightened the smiles of over 11,000 patients-and we're ready to help you, too. At Reese Orthodontics, we provide top-notch orthodontic care for both children and adults, all at prices that won't break the bank. Reach out to our office today and take your first step toward achieving excellent oral health!

 Orthodontic Treatment Cross, SC

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What Our Clients Are Saying

Latest News in Cross, SC

Volunteer Spotlight: Selenia Sadai, Disaster Action Team Lead

Story told by: Cheary Shelim, Red Cross VolunteerLike many, Selenia Sadai of Columbia, SC, felt the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene in her home and community. After she sorted things out, she had a desire to help others who may be going through similar circumstances. One of her coworkers told her about the American Red Cross.“Hey, if you’re interested in maybe helping out other individuals who may go through disasters like you went through, the Red Cross is a really good place to start,” her friend urg...

Story told by: Cheary Shelim, Red Cross Volunteer

Like many, Selenia Sadai of Columbia, SC, felt the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene in her home and community. After she sorted things out, she had a desire to help others who may be going through similar circumstances. One of her coworkers told her about the American Red Cross.

“Hey, if you’re interested in maybe helping out other individuals who may go through disasters like you went through, the Red Cross is a really good place to start,” her friend urged. Intrigued, Selenia did her research online. After learning more about the Red Cross, she decided to sign up as a volunteer.

Selenia shares how she didn’t know what she was getting herself into when she first started volunteering. But she soon realized that the Red Cross makes a significant impact on many families experiencing disasters, such as home fires.

In addition to providing help during disasters, volunteers also have the opportunity to support blood drives, teach lifesaving skills, and assist veterans and military families. She felt that this was in line with her calling to help others and continued volunteering.

After a while, Selenia became the Disaster Action Team Lead. As part of her role, Selenia reaches out to new volunteers, helping them through training and supporting them. She checks in from time to time to see if they need more support. She also helps existing volunteers, keep track of supplies and other things they may need when they go on a disaster call. In addition, she helps examine the processes responders use in the field, aiding with streamlining procedures.

Selenia shares how she feels fulfilled from helping others and how it has made her a better person. “Being able to go out and meet different people, being able to comfort individuals during a time of need — all of that is very satisfying for me. It gives a sense of purpose because I feel like I’m actually doing something in the world to help change it or make it better.”

Selenia adds that her fellow volunteers at the Red Cross have become like family. “We’re so tight-knit,” she shared. “These are people that I would never have run into if I hadn’t joined the Red Cross.” She also loves being able to meet people from different countries. “You have people who are very good-hearted, caring, and loving. If that’s something that you may lack in life or you are looking to have, the American Red Cross is definitely the route to go.”

What would she say to someone on the fence about volunteering with the Red Cross? “I would say, try it out,” said Selenia. “Your brain can give you hesitation around starting something new or starting something unknown to you. But when you actually get started, you’ll learn that it’s very, very easy. And it’s very satisfying.”

The need for volunteers is more critical than ever. Currently, the Red Cross responds to a new major disaster about every two weeks. In addition, the majority of the nearly 65,000 disasters that volunteers respond to annually are home fires. This Volunteer Week, the Red Cross invites you to put on a red vest and join our team. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started today.

Donate Now

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

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$10 is the minimum online donation.

Give Blood Today

Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.

Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!

Bat found in Cross tests positive for rabies, at least 3 people exposed

Rabid bat confirmed on Daniel Island: 6th case this year in Charleston County, DHEC says (Courtesy: Getty Images)BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed Tuesday that a bat found near Ranger Drive and Mikey Road in Cross has tested positive for rabies.The bat was submitted for testing on March 17, 2025, and the positive result was confirmed the following day.Three individuals were exposed to the rabid bat and have been referred to their healthcare providers. The DPH ad...

Rabid bat confirmed on Daniel Island: 6th case this year in Charleston County, DHEC says (Courtesy: Getty Images)

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed Tuesday that a bat found near Ranger Drive and Mikey Road in Cross has tested positive for rabies.

The bat was submitted for testing on March 17, 2025, and the positive result was confirmed the following day.

Three individuals were exposed to the rabid bat and have been referred to their healthcare providers. The DPH advises against handling bats or any wild or stray animals with bare hands. Bats that may have had contact with people, pets, or livestock should be trapped in a sealed container and not released, as they cannot be tested for rabies once released.

"Rabid bats have been known to transmit the rabies virus," said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager. "People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook."

READ MORE | "Rabid bat discovered in Summerville; no human exposure, one dog quarantined."

McCollister emphasized the importance of assuming potential exposure if a person or pet wakes up to find a bat in a room or tent if a bat is found where children or vulnerable individuals have been left unattended, or if there has been direct contact with a bat.

"Although bats can carry rabies, not every bat is infected with the virus," McCollister said. "Bats are an important part of South Carolina's ecosystems and deserve a healthy degree of respect just like all wild animals."

Rabies cannot be identified by appearance alone and must be confirmed in a laboratory. Unusual behavior in bats, such as daytime activity, inability to fly, or being found in unusual locations, may indicate rabies.

Exposure is defined as direct contact with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. Immediate washing of any contact area with soap and water and seeking medical attention is advised.

Keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations is crucial for protection against the disease. This incident marks the first rabies-positive animal in Berkeley County for 2025, with 13 cases reported statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 144 positive rabies cases annually.

Greenville school helps SC veterans in need through canned food drive

Story told by: Nick GibsonSome veterans who have served our country need help with their daily needs.Each year, the American Red Cross assists more than 240,000 military and veteran families by leveraging a network of volunteers across the country and around the world.In 2024 alone, the American Red Cross of South Carolina has provided more than 7,000 case services to military veterans, and their families.Denise Teasdell, Red Cross of SC Director of Service to the Armed Forces, was presented an idea from a local G...

Story told by: Nick Gibson

Some veterans who have served our country need help with their daily needs.

Each year, the American Red Cross assists more than 240,000 military and veteran families by leveraging a network of volunteers across the country and around the world.

In 2024 alone, the American Red Cross of South Carolina has provided more than 7,000 case services to military veterans, and their families.

Denise Teasdell, Red Cross of SC Director of Service to the Armed Forces, was presented an idea from a local Greenville school about how they wanted to help veterans through a canned food drive.

“The classrooms were having a competition. When they reached out to us, they thought they were going to have about 500 canned goods,” said Denise. “Since the classes got really competitive, it just started growing.”

Christ Church Episcopal School (CCES) started collecting canned goods for local veterans in January. Within a month, the school had collected 2,681 canned goods.

This very huge number allowed CCES students to recieve a certificate from the Red Cross of SC for their hardwork.

Max Schmoll-Nassar who is a high school student at CCES and helps volunteer with the Red Cross says he helped put this idea together.

He adds that the students who donated these canned goods were much younger than him.

“My school is K-12. In the elementary school, we thought that would be the perfect place to have a canned food drive,” said Max. We were really blown away by the number of donations.”

Max says it really meant a lot to him that these students wanted to help and give back to veterans and military members.

“For me, it’s just a wonderful experience being able to share something that we thought was just for high school students to a much younger generation,” said Max. “I really thought their efforts were incredible and it really gave me hope.”

All of these canned goods were collected, and driven to the Ralph H. Johnson VA in Charleston for veterans.

Denise says this food will go back for a good cause.

“What they do is they make care packages that they give to veterans each day,” said Denise. “They also have volunteers that work at the VA that take those packages to veterans that may be unhoused.”

Not only do veterans struggle with food insecurities, but military members and their families endure this often.

“Whether you’re active duty or a veteran. We have veterans that come in to not just Ralph H. Johnson, but to Fort Jackson looking for food,” said Densie. “It’s gotten to the point where medicine is so high, they have to decide if they are going to pay for medicine or buy food. The good thing about the food pantry that we are offering our service members and veterans is they really don’t have to make that choice.”

Learn more about Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces and how you can get involved by visiting redcross.org/saf.

Donate Now

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

$75

$125

$250

$500

$1000

$10 is the minimum online donation.

Give Blood Today

Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.

Become a Volunteer

Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!

Empowered to lead and help in diverse communities: the HBCU Ambassador Program

Story told by: Kathy StewartSouth Carolina State University (SCSU) sophomore Ty Boston is no stranger to the American Red Cross, having worked with the organization since high school. He’s now a part of the American Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Program, a signature Biomedical Services youth engagement program that engages college students attending Historically Black...

Story told by: Kathy Stewart

South Carolina State University (SCSU) sophomore Ty Boston is no stranger to the American Red Cross, having worked with the organization since high school. He’s now a part of the American Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Program, a signature Biomedical Services youth engagement program that engages college students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Part of these HBCU Blood Ambassadors’ role is to inspire a new generation of Red Cross volunteers and leaders and Improve health outcomes of diverse populations in need of blood transfusions.

Ty worked to coordinate and promote SCSU's blood drive by talking with other blood ambassadors, working with faculty members, securing a location then working with public relations on flyers and social posts. He also distributed flyers around the campus including academic buildings, the dorms and dining halls.

He was pleased with the results: “We had a lot of walk-ins,” said Ty. Noting that almost 40% were first-time donors. “With the help of the program director, the students and the people from Orangeburg, we beat our goal of 29 pints; we got 48 instead.”

Ty is already looking ahead to the next blood drive scheduled for April and is hopeful for an even bigger turnout.

He understands the need for blood donations, he has a family member who suffers from sickle cell disease.

“When I think of sickle cell, I think of those who actually have sickle cell and need help with it. This made me think of her. If I can help her, I can help others.”

One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for someone with sickle cell disease. Ty understands the need to educate fellow students on the importance of donation within the Black community to support sickle cell patients.

“Our sickle cell coordinator has been amazing, communicating with us about sickle cell and the importance of donating to help those with sickle cell,” said Ty.

Before this blood drive, Ty also received something unexpected. “I recently got a call from one of my donors who had given blood [to his cousin]. "It was very heart-warming. I started to tear up.”

South Carolina schools are making an impact, with Allen University, Claflin University and SCSU all participating in the Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Program.

Ty values his time as an HBCU Ambassador, saying, “Being an ambassador is one of the great things that happened to me. I’m trying to educate others on the importance of donating blood and the importance of giving back.”

Blood donations are crucial year-round, as the American Red Cross must collect enough blood every day to meet the needs of those receiving treatment for sickle cell and cancer as well as for accident and burn victims and those requiring surgery.

While 62% of the population is eligible, only 3% actually donate. With the help of the HBCU Ambassador program, donation is ongoing.

“It shows all of the work that goes into helping save lives and helping people who need blood, everyone needs blood," said Ty.

To learn more about the American Red Cross HCBU Ambassador Program, click here.

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