Three Local High Schools Respond to Need for Blood

GREENVILLE, S.C. – After the tragedies in El Paso and Dayton, The Blood Connection reminded the community to continuously donate blood to maintain an adequate blood supply in the Upstate. Three local high schools responded immediately to that call by hosting blood drives the week of August 12: Powdersville High School, Wren High School (Anderson County), and Palmetto High School (Anderson County). These schools did exactly what TBC hopes the community will do every day: respond to the need for blood.

“The students of Powdersville High, Wren High, and Palmetto High have banned together to support and remember those who have been affected by the recent shootings in our country,” said TBC President and CEO, Delisa English. “At the same time, they also helped save lives right here in their community. They are a true example of making an immediate impact.”

More than 105 donors gave blood at all three blood drives combined. Those donations will help save more than 300 local lives. TBC is proud to share a community with a group of students and staff who step up for their neighbors. Donating blood is a perfect way to do that any day of the week. When donors give with TBC, it stays local. While trauma is the most obvious reason for blood usage, cancer patients are usually the number one recipients of blood products. Donations are also needed for burn victims, premature infants, surgeries, and those with blood disorders, to name a few. When community members share blood, healing happens, and families remain whole. 

Any school, organization, or business interested in hosting a blood drive can visit the TBC website for more information: thebloodconnection.org. A blood drive can be hosted from almost anywhere with inside equipment and mobile buses. TBC’s life-saving mission starts with a willing blood drive host.

Donors can also visit any TBC center in the Upstate of South Carolina and Asheville in North Carolina: 435 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC; 341 Old Abbeville Highway, Greenwood, SC; 5116 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC; 1308 Sandifer Boulevard, Seneca, SC; 270 North Grove Medical Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC; 225 Airport Rd, Arden, NC. Centers are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m and on the weekends 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TBC is currently experiencing low donor turnout. As summer vacation comes to an end, it’s important to keep in mind that the need for blood doesn’t take a vacation; it never stops. Donors can help support their community by donating blood today. Blood donors must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be 17 years old or 16 with written parental consent. Donors must bring a valid photo ID. Donors can call (864) 255-5000 with any questions.