Join host Brian Cleary for a crucial conversation with Meaghan Silsby, Executive Director of the Lowcountry SC American Red Cross. They dive into the profound importance of giving blood and offering a lifeline of hope to those in critical need.

Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? Donating your blood truly IS the gift of life! Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can make a tangible difference.

The Red Cross makes it fast and easy to donate! Here's what you need to know:

• Find a Location: Visit https://RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to find a nearby fixed site or mobile blood drive.

• RapidPass App: Download the Red Cross RapidPass app to schedule an appointment and complete your pre-donation health history ahead of time—it speeds up your visit!

• The Visit: The entire process—from greeting to getting back on your way—takes only 30 to 45 minutes.

• Steps: You'll have a confidential health screening with a phlebotomist, be seated comfortably for the actual donation (about 10-15 minutes), and then enjoy a well-deserved snack and drink before happily leaving!

Meaghan and Brian share some eye-opening facts about the critical work the Red Cross does in the Lowcountry and beyond:

• Local Impact: Last year alone, the Mount Pleasant location (Houston Northcutt Blvd near Harris Teeter) collected over 4,000 units of blood—thank you, Mount Pleasant!

• Hospitals Served: The Red Cross supplies blood to 34 local hospitals, including providing over 50,000 units to MUSC last year.

• Lifesaving Potential: Just one pint of blood can help save up to 3 people!

• Donor Frequency: Eligible donors can give as often as every 56 days, up to six times a year.

• MYTH BUSTED: You do not need to know your blood type before donating. If you don't know, you'll find out after you donate!

• Universal Need: While Type O (the universal donor) is most needed, all blood types are valuable.

You can walk-in or pre-register at the Houston Northcutt Blvd location (near Harris Teeter) when you have 30 to 45 minutes:

• Mondays/Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Fridays/Saturdays: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Host a Blood Drive: Local businesses and organizations can volunteer to host a drive! Contact your local Red Cross representative online at https://RedCrossBlood.org.

• Volunteer: Find diverse volunteer opportunities that match your interests by visiting https://RedCross.org.

Tune in as Host Zach Giroux sits down with Mount Pleasant Town Council candidate and lifelong resident, Perry Rourk. The 2025 General Election is approaching, and your vote will shape the future of Mount Pleasant—get the facts you need to make the best decision for you and your community.

Why is Perry running? After a lifetime in Mount Pleasant, Perry felt a calling to give back, leading him to immerse himself in Town Council and committee meetings to understand how local government truly works for its citizens.

As a seasoned business operator, Perry brings a proven leadership style focused on:

• Building and managing effective teams.
• Prioritizing preparation and listening.
• Taking input from all sides of an issue before taking action.

Perry Rourk is focusing on the issues that matter most:

• Strengthening Core Services (Police, Fire, Sanitation, etc.)
• Aligning Zoning Decisions with Infrastructure to ensure livability.
• Protecting what makes Mount Pleasant special.

Hear his specific stances on critical infrastructure and traffic challenges, including:

• The Billy Swails Parkway Extension.
• Crucial intersection and traffic light enhancements.
• Revisiting contentious issues on Highway 41 with Charleston County.

Don't miss this essential conversation! Find out where Perry Rourk stands and how he plans to move Mount Pleasant forward.

Connect with Perry Rourk and learn more about his platform at: www.VotePerryRourk.com

In this special edition of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, publisher Bill Macchio sits down with Mike Tinkey, who is running for re-election to Mount Pleasant Town Council.

With nearly 43 years of public service in Mount Pleasant and Wild Dunes, Mike shares the experiences and lessons learned since he first moved here. Get to know the man who wants to keep Mount Pleasant greener, the water cleaner, and the town's history preserved for our children's children.

Hear directly about Mike's involvement and advocacy in key town initiatives, including:

• The Fire and Police Departments
• Improving the Old Village green space
• Preserving the town's maritime culture
• Addressing stormwater issues
• The newly launched Green Commission
• The Community Forest Master Plan
• ...and much more!

Before you cast your vote for Mount Pleasant's next Town Council Members, watch or listen to this interview to understand how Mike's long-standing dedication can continue to benefit the town and its residents.

For more information about Mike Tinkey, visit: www.MikeTinkeyForTownCouncil.com