The Drive and The Blood Connection will team up for a blood drive at Fluor Field on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Those who complete a blood donation will receive free COVID-19 antibody testing and a $20 VISA card. This drive comes at a time of great need for blood donations, especially convalescent plasma donations. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, there is a critical need for this plasma to help COVID-19 patients.
And as a special incentive, donors will be able to watch college football on the DriveVision board all day long! Donors will also be able to grab lunch or dinner at Splendid Splinter! Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Pulled Pork Sandwiches plus your favorite Pepsi products and ice-cold draft beers.
All donors who complete a blood donation at this community drive will receive COVID-19 antibody testing. The test, which will provide blood donors with a positive or negative result in seven business days, will be included in the normal panel of testing that is done for all complete blood donations. Donors do not need to opt in to this testing. TBC wants to ensure that all donors are aware that this is not a diagnostic test for COVID-19 infection. The FDA and the CDC have both said that a positive antibody test result does not prove the individual has immunity to the virus and that research of the antibodies is still being conducted.
As mentioned, The Blood Connection has an urgent need for convalescent plasma, a blood product that can help those battling COVID-19. Research has shown that there are antibodies in the plasma of those who have recovered from COVID-19 that can be transfused to COVID-19 patients to aid in their recovery. Donors have the opportunity to donate this plasma at the Greenville community blood drive. Anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 and has been symptom free for at least 14 days can donate convalescent plasma. Donors must bring proof of a positive COVID-19 test or positive COVID-19 antibody test to the blood drive in order to donate. Please call 864-751-1168 to make an appointment to donate plasma.
These special precautions will be taken during this drive to limit exposure and encourage social distancing:
- Donor flow will be set up to limit interaction between donors.
- All TBC staff will be wearing masks. Face coverings are required for donors.
- Donor chairs will be spaced as far apart as possible.
- Donors are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to control social distancing.
Make an appointment by visiting this link or by calling 864-751-1155. Fluor Field is located at 945 South Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601.