Amid the arrival of the longawaited COVID-19 vaccine, the demand for a well-known treatment for those battling the virus, convalescent plasma, has skyrocketed. The Blood Connection (TBC), a non-profit community blood center, has seen the demand for this life-saving product triple in the past few months because of its effectiveness. TBC has played a crucial role in local convalescent plasma collection in its commitment to meet every community hospital’s need during the pandemic. However, the need for convalescent plasma continues to far outrun the supply.

Amidst the holiday season, and the COVID-19 pandemic, The Blood Connection (TBC), the local, non-profit, community blood center, has a special request for a different kind of gift this year. As the sole provider for over 80 hospitals in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, TBC is urging all eligible blood donors who are healthy and well for their immediate gift of a blood donation to their local community.

Article by Lisa Roberts

Moving to Charleston may seem like an odd idea at first glance. After all, out of all the places in South Carolina, why should you call Charleston your home? Well, there are a couple of reasons that make Charleston not only livable but, in fact, great for raising a family and enjoying a nice, comfortable life. So, here are the reasons why Charleston is one of the best places to live in South Carolina.

"'It’s kind of spooky quiet... it’s eerie,' [Eli] Hyman [of Hyman's Seafood] said. 'Because normally these streets would be bustling in the fall. It’s beautiful weather.' Like most places across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the city hard. Robert Smith is the owner of a local marketing company called The Chart Group. 'It almost was like overnight,' Smith said. 'First we heard about this virus overseas, and next thing you know we’re shutting our city down.' Considering the Chart Group offers video production and content creation for Charleston businesses, Smith depends on a thriving tourism industry. As everything shut down, his clients could no longer pay for his services. He too had to furlough employees. 'Tourism within the last 30 or 40 years has become a major component,' Trouche said. 'It’s multi-millions of dollars in revenue for the city and for businesses and so it is a big player economically in Charleston.' Some businesses have closed forever and those that have survived had to let go of staff."

 By Elizabeth Ruiz, WTKR News 3 , Coastal VA and Northeast NC

October 14, 2020 - The Blood Connection (TBC), the local non-profit, community blood center is now experiencing a critical need for blood donations, an escalation of urgency from previous pleas for blood donations this month. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, TBC has seen a steady decrease in blood donations that could lead to a blood shortage. TBC is currently reallocating blood products to hospitals for immediate needs only. TBC and its Operations Command Center has noticed a decrease in blood donations and those willing to host blood drives, which has created a significant decrease in blood inventory. Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 has negatively impacted TBC’s blood collection and inventory, sparked by the cancelation of hundreds of blood drives and donors not coming in because of the fear of the virus. And even though it may feel as though the world is getting back to some kind of normalcy, COVID-19 is still taking its toll on the blood collection industry. The community is still not donating in the way that it has in the past; companies, schools and churches are not hosting drives due to work-from-home policies and safety concerns, and hospitals are restarting elective surgeries. This has all created a storm of insurmountable proportions. This is not an isolated crisis, as it extends regionally and nationally. The message is simple – COVID-19 has made a severe impact on the blood supply and The Blood Connection is asking the community to donate blood as soon as possible to support the critical need of blood for local hospitals in this area.

*Face coverings are required to donate. COVID-19 antibody testing is included with all complete blood donations. Appointments are encouraged.

Local donation center: 5870 Core Road, North Charleston, SC: https://thebloodconnection.org/contact/south-carolina-centers/charlestoncenter/
To find a blood drive: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/zip
Those interested in hosting a blood drive in the community: http://thebloodconnection.org/host-a-drive

Article by Lisa Roberts

Safely nestled between the silky sands of Edisto Beach and wild woodlands of McClellanville lies Charleston County. Over 900 square miles dotted with colorful and exotic neighborhoods, picturesque streets, and vibrant communities represent a place everyone wants to live in. With that in mind, let us begin today's journey through the dreamlike sceneries of cobblestone walkways rich with history. The coolest neighborhoods in Charleston, SC await with its welcoming locals and laid-back lifestyle!

For the tenth year in a row, Charleston has been voted America's favorite small city by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine...

Article by Lisa Roberts

Trying to find reliable movers in Charleston, or anywhere else for that matter, is always a huge undertaking. Trust us, we know. Whether you decide to go for national long-distance movers or local guys with a moving truck, there's a lot to choose from.

So, how can you be sure that the company you're choosing is the best for you? To find out, we reached out and talked to some of the most important people and the most important companies in the industry. With them, we created a list of tips that will help you to see through marketing and all the glitter.

The company you're talking to must have the credentials and knowledge to perform your relocation in time, safely, and within your budget.

The Blood Connection is in need of platelet donations at their Core Road Donation Center in North Charleston.

Platelet Donation is when only platelets (small cell fragments in the blood that helps stop or prevent bleeding) are collected, and the other components are given back. 

• You can donate every 7 days
• This donation takes 2.5 hours
• Available to donate at centers