PIEDMONT, S.C. - Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of summer for most Americans. For hospitals and emergency responders, it also begins one of the most demanding stretches of the year, when crashes, burns and severe traumas increase across the country.
The Blood Connection (TBC) is using the weekend ahead to remind communities across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia that trauma readiness depends on blood donors showing up before emergencies happen. Because blood has a limited shelf life, hospital supplies must be replenished week after week throughout the summer.
For trauma teams, the clock does not start when a patient arrives at the hospital. It starts the moment the injury happens. In the most serious emergencies, blood already on the shelf can be the difference between a hospital being ready to respond and a patient waiting for help that cannot be manufactured on demand.
“Memorial Day is when we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country. One way we can carry that spirit of sacrifice forward is by showing up for the people who may need us next," said Delisa English, President & CEO of The Blood Connection. “A strong blood supply relies on a community willing to step up for their neighbor. Every trauma patient who arrives at a hospital this summer is depending on a donor who showed up before the emergency happened.”
"What we see every summer is predictable. Trauma volume climbs, and the demand for blood climbs with it," said Dr. Robert Rainer, Medical Director for The Blood Connection. "What is not predictable is the individual patient—the swimmer, the driver, the worker or the cyclist. We can't know who will need blood this weekend or next month. We can only make sure it is there when they do."
How to Help
Donors are encouraged to make an appointment at one of TBC’s 22 community blood centers and 60-plus bloodmobiles across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia, making it easy for donors to give close to home or on vacation.
To schedule a donation appointment or find additional drive locations, visit thebloodconnection.org.