Press Release
While families and community members have their sights set on the last few weeks of summer vacation, The Blood Connection (TBC) fears that if community members don't turn their attention to the urgent need for blood, there could be a dangerous blood shortage. To combat the predicted decline in blood donations, TBC is partnering with community leaders, stakeholders, and influencers to boost blood donations and share the importance of donating blood year-round.
The first-ever “Mr. and Ms. August” campaign will take place throughout the month of August and leverage community leaders to boost donations during one of the worst months for blood donor turnout. Candidates will be asked to advocate for TBC by encouraging people to donate blood in their name.
Nineteen contestants from across the Carolinas and Georgia have signed on to share TBC's mission and encourage others to roll up their sleeves this August. Local contestants include:
- Dr. Annie Andrews – Politician and Pediatrician from Charleston, SC
- Michelle Brandt – Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Politician from Charleston, SC
- Max Diekneite – News Anchor from Savannah, GA
- Nikki Kuniej – Account Manager for Charleston Radio Group in Charleston, SC
- Miguel Lucero – Paramedic and EMT Teacher from Berkely County, SC
- Walker Merritt – Football Player at The Citadel
- Ed Piotrowski – Chief Meteorologist, WPDE from Myrtle Beach, SC
- Rhys Shaw – 12-year-old Lymphoma Survivor from Charleston, SC
To learn more about the contestants for Mr. and Ms. August, please go to thebloodconnection.org/august. To make an appointment to donate blood in support of a contestant, click their photo, and then follow the link to donate in their name.
