As the coronavirus spreads throughout the nation, blood donations are down in the Upstate.

Many of us are asking the question: How can we help during the coronavirus outbreak?

Places where blood drives are usually held – schools and large businesses – have been shut down or are operating with limited staff as people have been told to stay home. On-site centers such as The Blood Connection in Spartanburg have been adversely affected.

With recent recommendations to cancel events and to social distance, blood drives across America have seen cancellations. That means there’s a lack of donations.

Leaders at The Blood Connection say the recent coronavirus outbreak is negatively impacting blood donations and could lead to extreme shortages for local hospitals.

A RAL Today reporter gave donating blood a try at the TBC Raleigh Donation Center on Glenwood Avenue. Hear about his experience.