Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on January 17.
As the nation experiences an unprecedented blood shortage, Tidelands Health is increasing its access to blood supplies by partnering with an additional supplier, The Blood Connection of Greenville, South Carolina.
The health system is taking this proactive step to help keep a steady and reliable blood supply coming to its facilities to support the care and treatment of patients. Tidelands Health joins more than 80 hospitals across South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia that partner with the non-profit. Tidelands Health also partners with the American Red Cross for blood supplies.
“Maintaining an adequate blood supply is crucial, so we are taking steps to keep supplies coming amid this critical national shortage,” said Gayle Resetar, chief operating officer at Tidelands Health. “We’re pleased to work with The Blood Connection, a proven leader in supplying blood to hospitals in the Southeast, to help secure the resources needed to seamlessly care for our patients.”
While the partnership with The Blood Connection increases access to blood supplies for Tidelands Health, there is a critical need for people to donate blood to help replenish dangerously low national, regional and local supplies.
The pandemic has led to fewer blood drives nationwide and fewer blood donors. But the need for blood to treat accident victims, cancer patients, those who need blood transfusions and other patients remains. The combination of fewer donations and ongoing demand has led to this unprecedented shortage in supplies. All blood types are needed.
“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that we must be able to adjust. The Blood Connection has proven its ability to do that and is proud to serve the Tidelands region to assure there are enough blood products to help patients in need," said Delisa English, president and CEO of The Blood Connection. "But we can only meet that need with the help of community blood donors. Please donate blood as frequently as possible. Blood donation saves lives."
The Blood Connection is calling on community members to make an appointment to donate blood now and to encourage friends and family to do the same. The Blood Connection has multiple centers and bloodmobiles open every day.
Donors can find convenient blood drives near them by going to thebloodconnection.org/donate. The Blood Connection offers its donors a wide variety of eGift cards and bonus gifts for those who donate soon.
The Blood Connection also needs additional places to host blood drives.
“I simply cannot overstate the importance of blood donation for our patients and community,” said Dr. James Principe, chief medical officer at Tidelands Health. “When you give blood, you’re truly giving the gift of life.
“Right now, more than ever, your donation will mean so much.”
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About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.
About The Blood Connection
Founded in Greenville, SC, The Blood Connection has been committed to saving lives since 1962. TBC is an independently managed, not-for-profit, community blood center that provides blood products to more than 80 hospitals within Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its dedication to disaster preparedness and the community, TBC works diligently to collect blood from volunteer donors to meet the ever-increasing demand. By keeping collections local, TBC serves hundreds of thousands of patients a year in its communities. TBC is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit thebloodconnection.org.
Contact:
Dawn Bryant, Senior Communications Strategist
dbryant@tidelandshealth.org, (843) 652-1636
Original source can be found here.
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