Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
The huge Blood Connection RV was parked across from the Old Hotel at the Fall Festival. Thanks to the generous community members who donated their blood that day, patients received lifesaving help. There were 27 units of blood collected, saving up to 81 lives.
The Blood Connection recently began serving Virginia. They also have offices in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The recent hurricanes created an even greater demand on this essential resource, increasing the need for blood donations.
People don’t usually think of blood donation as part of their regular to-do list, until there is an emergency. “Our goal is to provide community self-sufficiency for each of the areas we serve. There are times, however, that we provide resources to other areas within our organization when needed — such as during the recent hurricane,” said Julie Hartledge, donor resources account manager for the Greater Roanoke Valley, Virginia Region.
The Blood Connection has partnered with Carilion Clinic and is now their sole provider of all blood products. “Carilion is excited about our new blood services partnership with The Blood Connection,” said Carilion President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Arner. “TBC is dedicated to supplying our local blood product needs and being involved in the community. We encourage blood donors to support TBC’s future blood drives to help them ensure our region has adequate blood to help us care for our patients.”
Despite the national demands on blood products, The Blood Connection has continuously proven to be a reliable and dedicated partner for local hospitals – ensuring that blood products are readily available through volunteer blood donors. The organization adheres to the same high-quality standards as Carilion and is regulated by the FDA and Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB).
Blood donation is vital in healthcare, as blood is one of the only medical substances that can’t be artificially recreated. All blood has come from donors who see and support the cause of this life saving mission. Each person’s donation can contribute to the health, wellbeing, and life of three people, and there is always a need for more donors!
Though TBC does not have a volunteer program, community members can serve as ambassadors in their community; spreading the word and taking on organizing a blood drive at their location. The next opportunity to donate in New Castle will be Dec. 7 in the Food Country parking lot from 11a.m. – 4 p.m. To learn more about The Blood Connection, visit their website at https://thebloodconnection.org/virginia/.
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