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Published on June 21, 2023

Blood drives set for Monday in Murrells Inlet, Georgetown

Don’t take a vacation from donating blood this summer.

During the summer, the need for blood supplies often increases while blood donations drop because of work vacations and breaks from school. People travel and spend more time outdoors, leading to accidents and medical procedures that require transfusions.

A donor squeezes a heart-shaped ball while donating blood.Tidelands Health is partnering with The Blood Connection to host blood drives Monday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, 606 Black River Road, and Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, 4070 Highway 17 South in Murrells Inlet.

Schedule an appointment at thebloodconnection.org.

“Historically, blood donations tend to decrease during the summer when many people are taking vacations. But the need for blood supplies for patient care often increases during the summer,” said Ashley Capps, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer. “We encourage community members to take the time to donate blood at our upcoming blood drives to keep blood supplies plentiful and available for care and treatment.”

Blood supplies gathered through donations are vital for patients with cancer, chronic diseases, cardiac conditions, those who experience physical trauma and more. A single blood donation has a shelf life of only 42 days, so donations from community members are continuously needed to keep supplies replenished.

Blood donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Be sure to bring your driver’s license, donor card or other valid identification. People who are feeling ill should postpone donating blood until they feel healthy and are symptom-free. Appointments will take priority, but walk-ins are welcome.

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.