Myrtle Beach, SC – The Blood Connection (TBC), an independently managed, non-profit community blood center is announcing an extended partnership to serve as the sole blood provider for Grand Strand Health. TBC, building upon its existing relationship with Grand Strand Health, was chosen to serve one of the nation's leading healthcare systems because of its proven ability to provide a ready and stable blood supply for local hospital partners, even throughout the pandemic. TBC’s reliability and consistency helps to ensure a robust healthcare system for trauma victims and the many patients who rely on blood transfusions.
TBC has served as a non-profit 501(c)(3) community blood center for 60 years. The blood center was originally formed to be a blood provider for small hospitals in Georgia and South Carolina, before it eventually grew to become The Blood Connection. TBC began serving the Pee Dee region in 2020. It is now the primary blood provider for more than 120 hospitals in South Carolina, North Carolina, and parts of Georgia. TBC currently operates blood donation centers in Charleston, Florence, and Myrtle Beach, along with dozens of bloodmobile units. With this partnership, blood donors can feel confident knowing their donations are helping their community.
“The Blood Connection is proud to serve the Myrtle Beach area to ensure there are enough blood products for every patient in need," said President & CEO of the Blood Connection, Delisa English. “Since there is no substitute for blood, we are reliant on community blood donors and are seeking organizations who are willing to support the local blood supply by sponsoring blood drives. Blood donations truly save lives.”
TBC has been the sole blood provider for Grand Strand Health since July 2020. “As Horry and Georgetown County’s only Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, our partnership with The Blood Connection is vital in providing lifesaving care for our community residents and visitors,” states Mark Sims, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Strand Health. “We are incredibly grateful to those individuals who donate blood products for our patients. Their support directly impacts the healthcare we provide.”
This announcement comes during a critical time for blood donations. Post-COVID, TBC has seen historically low donor turnout, which has impacted the local blood supply. Despite the local and national blood shortages, TBC has proven to be a reliable and dedicated partner for local hospitals – committing itself to ensuring blood products are readily available through volunteer blood donors. TBC adheres to the same high-quality standards as Grand Strand Health and is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration and American Association of Blood Banks.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion while only three percent of the eligible population donates. 4.5 million Americans will be impacted by a blood donation every year. Surgery patients, accident victims, patients with cancer and newborn babies all rely on the local blood supply. Although TBC is responsible for keeping the blood supply stable, it cannot replicate blood; it must be donated. TBC urges the community to donate blood to ensure that hospitals’ needs are uninterrupted. It’s neighbors like these who are impacted by blood donors.