We recently spent a lunch break at The Blood Connection’s new Columbia-area donation center (5141 Sunset Blvd., Lexington). The entire process takes less than 45 minutes, and 1 blood donation has the power to save up to 3 local lives.
Here’s how donating at The Blood Connection works and how you can #TryThis.
Experience:
Donating at The Blood Connection’s new Lexington center 🩸
What we tried (with pricing):
We arrived at the newly-renovated center, which is conveniently located in Lexington Pavilion (next to Five Guys) off Hwy. 378.
After filling out some paperwork and answering a few basic questions, donors get to settle into a comfy recliner chair to start the donation process, which takes 5-10 minutes. Under regulation, donations must be completed within 15 minutes.
Depending on the type of donation you are making, this time can vary, but friendly staff members at The Blood Connection make it a comfortable experience (read: there’s Netflix).
What not to miss:
Donors are asked to hang out for 10-15 minutes to make sure they’re feeling great post-donation. We recommend taking this time to relax in The Blood Connection’s stylish lounge area while enjoying a well-deserved snack — and thinking about the lives you’ve helped save.
What we’re still talking about:
The center’s Lexington Pavilion location is easy to get to and surrounded by stores + restaurants. Read: You can hit up Five Guys or Chicken Salad Chick to refuel after your appointment (and further reward yourself with a trip to Target).
How you can experience this:
You can book your visit online — learn about the TBC Rewards program and Donor Portal here.
TBC’s mobile units will also be based at this center before they make their way around the Midlands. Keep an eye out for upcoming mobile drives happening near you.
Things to know if you go:
- Experience: Donating at The Blood Connection’s new Lexington center
- Website: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/center/17
- Address: 5141 Sunset Blvd., Lexington
- Hours: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Ⓟ
