The Blood Connection said on Monday, March 9, that concerns surrounding COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, have negatively impacted blood donations. 

The nonprofit organization reported that it has seen a drop in blood donor turnout and has faced an increase in blood drive cancellations. The situation in the Upstate is similar to the situation around the country, a trend that could lead to blood shortages and could negatively affect hospitals. 

“The impacts on the blood supply from COVID-19 will only be as bad as this community allows it to be,” said Robert Rainer, medical director for The Blood Connection, in a release. “If those who are feeling healthy donate now and encourage others to do the same, there could be little to no impact, and communities’ blood supplies will remain resilient and self-sustaining.”

The Blood Connection uses wellness screenings before all blood donations, and it has begun taking extra measures to ensure donors can give blood in a clean and safe location. It also has put together an internal team to monitor collection and inventory levels as well as preparing for COVID-19.

“Now is the time to do something heroic for your community,” said Delisa English, the organization’s president and CEO. “Please donate blood today.”

To host a blood drive or to make an appointment, please visit thebloodconnection.org or call 864-255-5000.

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