Friday, May 24, 2019
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Welcome The Blood Connection to the Lowcountry
The Charleston Chamber of Commerce held a special ribbon cutting on May 17 to welcome The Blood Connection and mark the official start of many future blood drives.
Based in Greenville, S.C., The Blood Connection is new to the Lowcountry and serves as the primary blood provider for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Blood donated to the Blood Connection stays in the Lowcountry.
“Last year we provided more than 12,000 blood products, including red blood cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma, so this large number highlights the need for blood donations to stay here in the Lowcountry,” said Dr. J. Rick McEvoy, Roper St. Francis Healthcare chairman of pathology and medical director of transfusion services. “Blood donations typically are lower in the summer and that is when the need is greatest. This public event is a great way to raise awareness of such an important public health need.”
The Blood Connection offered free admission to the South Carolina Aquarium with blood donation.
“The Blood Connection is very proud to now be serving Charleston and the Lowcountry,” said President and CEO Delisa English. “Our mission as a community blood center is to bring people together to save local lives. Donating blood is an amazing way to care for your neighbors. We know the community here will embrace that mission to support their local hospitals. We are grateful to Roper St. Francis Healthcare for giving us this opportunity.”
Look for special blood drives across the Lowcountry as we work together to improve and save lives with compassion, faith and excellence.
Dr. J. Rick McEvoy, Roper St. Francis Healthcare chairman of pathology and medical director of transfusion services speaks with Live 5 News.