Sponsored Content

How to give blood locally during National Blood Donor Month (and beyond)

Sponsored by
20210304-dwn_pres-196 copy

A donor during a donation | Photo provided by The Blood Connection

Our New Year’s resolutions: exercise more, spend less on coffee, and save lives.

That third resolution? Not a joke, and easier than you might think. Did you know that one blood donation has the power to save up to three local lives? It’s quick + easy, and you can donate every 56 days. That’s six times a year, aka 18 potential lives saved.

Giving blood is especially impactful in winter months when weather + seasonal illnesses often make it difficult to maintain a sufficient blood supply. The ongoing pandemic has made it increasingly difficult due to blood drive cancellations, fear of donating in a pandemic, and shutdowns in certain areas.

tbc jan 2022 copy

A donor smiles with a masked staff member after completing a donation at a center | Photo provided by The Blood Connection

Columbia’s The Blood Connection (TBC) donation center, located in Lexington at 5141 Sunset Blvd (next to Five Guys)., provides much-needed blood for local organizations and hospitals like Lexington Medical Center and Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

According to the FDA, it’s safe to donate blood during the ongoing pandemic. TBC follows COVID-19 safety protocols, like wearing masks, during the donation process to ensure the safety of donors and staff.

BERC_Speaker_08

The Blood Connection’s President and CEO Delisa English announces TBC’s participation in the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps | Photo provided

SYDNEY MAE THOMPSON

TBC recently became a member of the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC), a network of community blood centers committed to placing a set number of blood units into a reserve in the case of a mass casualty emergency. This means your donation could save a neighbor or someone in need across the country.

Ready to help save lives? Schedule an appointment here.🩸*

More from COLAtoday
Plan your day at the 44th annual St. Pat’s in Five Points with this quick guide to music, the parade, races, and more.
Columbia arts leader Larry Hembree will receive One Columbia’s 2026 Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award, honoring decades of cultural leadership.
Nearly 200 free wellness classes — from yoga to Zumba — launch at Finlay Park starting Monday, March 16.
We asked new COLAtoday subscribers their favorite restaurant in the Columbia area. These 10 spots were mentioned the most.
It’s free to attend as the sports network spotlights Greenville and the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.
South Carolina opens the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday, March 6, in Greenville, with fan deals, downtown events, and the Gamecock Club headquarters.
Presales are open and spring temps are rising — here’s where to stock up on natives, heirlooms, and blooms before they sell out.
Camp Cole collaboration brings inclusive fashion, local artists, and a sold-out runway show to Eastover.
Cottontown’s front porches transform into an open-air gallery with art, live music, and food trucks on Saturday, March 7.
The free May 15–16 festival features Martin Bejerano, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Endea Owens, and more at Finlay Park.