Press Release
The Blood Connection (TBC) is partnering with the community organization of Darlington Raceway, Darlington Shares, for a community blood drive on April 26th. The blood drive comes just 10 days before the track's NASCAR Cup Series in Darlington, South Carolina.
The blood drive will be Tuesday, April 26th at the track (1301 Harry Byrd Hwy) from 1 pm to 6 pm. For each lifesaving donation, donors will receive a track lap experience, courtesy of Darlington Raceway. The track lap experience opportunity will be available on May 4th. Each donor will also receive a ticket to the NASCAR Xfinity race on May 7th at the track.
“Darlington Raceway is excited to partner with The Blood Connection to provide this service to hospitals within the Pee Dee Region,” says Kerry Tharp, President of Darlington Raceway. “We encourage people in our community to come by the racetrack and participate in this event. You never know when a pint of blood can save a person's life.”
TBC is the primary blood provider for Florence area hospitals including McLeod Health and MUSC Health Florence. Blood products collected in Florence, Hartsville and Darlington are tested by TBC then used to service the two major area hospitals. One blood donation can save up to three lives.
TBC has experienced historically low donor turnout over the past year, a trend that is not sustainable for the local blood supply. If TBC does not begin to see a consistent flow of donors, the demand of its hospital partners could soon outpace the supply of available blood products.
Community members are urged to sign up to donate blood at the Darlington Shares blood drive at the Darlington Raceway track in partnership with The Blood Connection by going to thebloodconnection.org/
In addition to the other donor gifts, all donors will be entered to win a pair of tickets to all three races during the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR at Darlington Raceway and two Sunday Pre-Race Experience passes. The winner of this package will be chosen April 27th.
