After winter storm, Carter BloodCare-Texoma welcomes and rewards donors
SHERMAN – Feb. 4, 2026 – Last week’s icy weather forced Carter BloodCare-Texoma to temporarily close its donor center and cancel local blood drives. Now, with improved conditions, the community blood center is open and rewarding North Texans’ return to donating.
All blood types are needed, with many at critical levels. Critical status means less than one day’s supply of that blood type is available.
In high demand is O negative, the universal blood type for treating any patient and the only type used for premature and unborn babies. In appreciation for donating, Carter BloodCare is rewarding each whole blood O negative donor with a $50 e-gift card and double red O negative donors will receive a $100 e-gift card.
Platelet donors throughout Sherman-Denison are urgently needed as well. Platelets are vital for supporting severe trauma patients and people undergoing cancer treatments. As a thank-you for donating to support the community, each platelet donor will receive an e-gift card based on the number of units collected per visit: single, $25; double, $50; and triple, $75.
Through Feb. 28, each donor also receives a limited-edition Carter BloodCare sweatshirt, while supplies last.
Formerly Texoma Regional Blood Center, Carter BloodCare-Texoma continues the crucial mission to save lives by making transfusion possible.
Carter BloodCare notes each unit of donated whole blood can save three local lives. That is possible when the donation is separated into three components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
Carter BloodCare-Texoma blood donors help children fighting cancer, mothers going through difficult childbirths, organ transplant recipients, open-heart surgery patients, older adults with age-related health issues, sickle cell disease patients, people hurt in life-threatening vehicle accidents, and others with severe trauma injuries.
Residents can begin donating blood at 16 years old with parental consent; those 17 and older can donate independently. Also, Carter BloodCare donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and feel well on the day of their donation.
Donors can set an appointment with Carter BloodCare by visiting CarterBloodCare.org or calling 800-366-2834.
About Carter BloodCare
Carter BloodCare is an independent community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 225 medical facilities in 59 counties of North, Central and East Texas. Since its start in 1951, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization has become 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. Tu centro de sangre comunitario.