Blood donors needed to prevent shortage over spring break

Carter BloodCare urges Texans to stop the drop in March to help neighbors in need

DALLAS-FORT WORTH – March 10, 2025 – March is a challenging month for the Texas blood supply.

Carter BloodCare reports 25% of the community blood supply comes from high school blood drives. When student donors are on spring break, blood donations drop significantly. Essential medical treatments – including surgeries and cancer therapies – may be delayed two days or longer until blood is available.

Blood donors are in demand, especially those with type O negative. The universal blood type, O negative can be transfused to any patient. Also, it is the only blood type used to treat premature and unborn babies.

Who can donate

• Age: Donors must be at least 16 years old with parental consent or 17 and older to donate independently. There is no upper age limit.
• Weight: Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Donor appreciation gifts

As thanks for donating with Carter BloodCare March 10 – 23, each donor will get a $25 e-gift card to the retailer of their choice. O positive whole blood and double red donors will receive an additional $25 e-gift card, and O negative whole blood or double red donors earn an extra $50 e-gift card. Plus, each Carter BloodCare donor will receive a 30-ounce beverage tumbler, while supplies last.

To find a nearby Carter BloodCare donation location, visit CarterBloodCare.org/locations/ 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 57 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. Tu centro de sangre comunitario.