“Return to normal” for community blood supply calls for donor support

As North, Central and East Texans resume regular activities this spring, Carter BloodCare reminds residents to put blood donation at the top of their to-do lists.

Although statewide COVID-19 cases have dropped this season, the community blood supply has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Many blood types — such as type O — remain at less than one-day’s availability.

Between 600 and 800 patients need transfusions daily. Most require more than one unit of red cells or other blood components, like platelets.

Area high schools, universities, businesses, places of worship, and civic and professional groups can host blood drives with Carter BloodCare by emailing BookABloodDrive@CarterBloodCare.org.

Also, donors can schedule appointments by visiting CarterBloodCare.org or calling 1-800-366-2834.

Donors can complete the medical history questionnaire online on the day of donation. From start to finish, most can expect the complete in-person process to take about one hour.

In addition, people with or without COVID-19 vaccinations are eligible to donate blood.

Potential blood donors may volunteer starting at age 16 with parental consent; 17-year-olds and older can give independently. There is no upper age limit.

About Carter BloodCare

Carter BloodCare is an independent, community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 180 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 450,000 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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