Carter BloodCare marks 2nd anniversary of emergency blood alliance

To shore up lifesaving supply, U.S. blood centers partner to assist communities in crisis

BEDFORD, TEXAS (Sept. 12, 2023) – Carter BloodCare is marking the second anniversary of the United States’ first emergency blood reserve.

Created in September 2021, the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC) assists communities nationwide during large-scale emergencies – including mass shootings and natural disasters – that may deplete the local blood supply. Founded by seven blood centers, including Texas-based Carter BloodCare, BERC has grown to 35 centers across the United States.

While large-scale emergencies raise awareness of the need, blood is required every day for urgent medical procedures. People receiving cancer treatments, patients with sickle cell disease, mothers experiencing difficult childbirths, trauma and surgical patients, and many others depend on blood being there when it’s needed.

Donors can begin giving blood at age 16 with parental consent; those 17 and older can donate independently. Prospective donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and feel well on the day of donation.

For more information, visit CarterBloodCare.org or call 800-366-2834.

About Carter BloodCare

Carter BloodCare is an independent, community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 200 medical facilities in 50-plus counties of North, Central and East Texas. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is one of the largest blood programs in Texas, delivering more than 440,000 blood products annually to meet hospitals’ requirements for their patients. Services include collection, processing, specialized laboratory testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood products.
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