While many are busy this holiday season making last minute gift purchases for loved ones, The Blood Connection (TBC) and local hospitals in the Upstate are urging community members to fit sharing the gift of life into their schedules by making an appointment to donate blood.
The Blood Connection is the sole provider of blood products for every Upstate hospital, including Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, AnMed Health, Prisma Health, and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare system, plus dozens more across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. TBC relies on community blood donors to ensure there is an adequate and stable supply of blood to treat patients in need. Hospitals report the demand for blood increases over the holiday season, with more people traveling, leading to more traumas. An increased need, coupled with lower donor turnout over the holidays, makes the need for blood donors of all blood types even more critical. The demand is highest for O-negative and O-positive blood types.
“A day doesn’t go by that we don’t need blood – whether that be to treat trauma patients, cancer patients, premature babies, etc.,” said Dr. Surabhi Gaur, Chief Medical Officer for Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. “The list of people who need blood on any given day is endless, and it may even include someone that you know. So, we need people to donate, but we also need businesses to come together and provide those opportunities to donate. It’s a team effort, but we’re all human and we need to give to each other. It’s literally a matter of life and death.”
The need for blood is constant and does not cease during the holiday season. While many people enjoy time with family and friends, many others are in hospitals and treatment centers, where blood products are crucial to their survival. Blood products cannot be manufactured, and local blood donors are essential to helping save lives this holiday season. The way the community responds to this urgent plea will directly affect area hospitals and their patients for the next several months.
“The holidays are a time for giving and celebration. As you enjoy this season, please take a moment to consider donating blood – whether you are an occasional donor or have never given,” said Lori McMillan, vice president of professional services for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. “When you donate blood, you are supporting us as a healthcare system and helping to care for your neighbors and your community.”
“At AnMed Health, we take pride in caring for our patients and serving the community’s needs. Every day we never know what the demand for blood products will be,” said Penny Tisdale, administrative director of AnMed Health laboratory services. “We ask those in the community who can donate blood to please donate. The donation that you make may save your life, the life of a family member or friend.”
The Blood Connection will kick-off its annual Holiday Blood Drive on Monday, December 20th. The initiative will run through December 27th, and all blood donors will receive a $20 eGift card and an exclusive holiday t-shirt (while supplies last) as a thank you for their donation.
Visit thebloodconnection.org for additional information and to book an appointment today.