Carter BloodCare, US blood centers observe 3rd anniversary of emergency alliance

Nationwide blood programs pitch in to support communities in time of crisis

BEDFORD, TEXAS (Sept. 12, 2024) – Carter BloodCare is marking the third anniversary of the United States’ first emergency blood reserve.

The Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC) was created in September 2021 to support communities nationwide during large-scale emergencies – including mass shootings and natural disasters – that drain the local blood supply. Founded by seven blood centers, including Texas-based Carter BloodCare, BERC has grown to more than 30 centers across the United States.

While large-scale emergencies raise awareness of the need, blood is required every day for children fighting cancer, people living with sickle cell disease, mothers going through difficult childbirths, organ transplant recipients and many others.

Without blood, surgeries and medical procedures are delayed until necessary units are available.

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.

Find a neighborhood Carter BloodCare donation location at 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 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.
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