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WINSTON-SALEM —  The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, in cooperation with The Blood Connection (TBC), an independently managed, non-profit, community blood center, will host a blood drive on Saturday, May 15, in the Hanesbrands Theater at 209 N. Spruce Street in downtown Winston-Salem. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Parking is free in The Arts Council parking lot just across Spruce Street from The Milton Rhodes Center.

Little Theatre, Sawtooth School and Spring Theatre have signed on as co-sponsors. The Arts Council will receive a donation from The Blood Connection for each person who donates blood.

John Horsman, booking and venues manager for The Arts Council , said theaters in the Milton Rhodes Center have been largely dark because of COVID-19 protocols and safety concerns. “Because they have retractable seating, it is easy for us to make the kind of space required for blood collection under COVID protocols,” he said.

The Arts Council’s Hanesbrands Theater has almost 250 seats, and it takes only minutes to convert it into a spacious, open, multi-purpose area. It recently hosted the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools annual “Spring Arts Extravaganza.” As COVID restrictions are easing, Hanesbrands is gradually returning to its role as one on the community’s premier performance spaces with top-notch film projection capabilities.

TBC provides blood products to more than 80 hospitals in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress for its dedication to disaster preparedness and the community.

Appropriate precautions will be taken during the drive to limit exposure and effect social distancing:

• Donor flow will be set up to limit donor interaction.
• All TBC staff will be wearing masks. Donors are required to wear masks.
• Donor beds will be appropriately spaced.

Donors are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the following website but walk-ins are welcome.  https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/162416