Carter BloodCare sees seasonal ‘slump’ during the holidays
East Texas Medical Center to host blood drive for local patients in need
When you see red in the holiday colors this month – think of hospital patients in need of something red that only another person like you can gift to them – your blood. And think of the fact that it only takes about an hour to give whole blood. No ‘green’ is needed, just one hour of time and selfless generosity to donate blood.
In the summer and winter months, patients do not get a break from their required blood transfusions. Yet annually, Carter BloodCare observes a “giving slump” in December, due to hectic schedule changes, vacations and families spending time together for the holidays.
Call your local donor center today and make it a family tradition to give blood together during the holidays. When blood donors #GiveForLife frequently, hospital patients can receive the blood transfusions required to improve their health. Without volunteer blood donors, it is impossible to provide blood for patients. There is no substitute for human blood. Carter BloodCare needs only one pint of whole blood – and about an hour of your time – to save three lives.
East Texas Medical Center is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, December 22, at 764 W. Commerce St. in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Janie Lightsey at (903) 389-1618.
Visit carterbloodcare.org and click ‘give life’ to hear personal stories about lives affected by blood transfusions. Additionally, share a personal experience of your own by emailing Carter BloodCare at TellUsYourStory@carterbloodcare.org.
Remember to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water at least an hour before giving blood. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well on the day of donation, and present a government-issued photo ID each time they give blood. Potential blood donors may volunteer beginning at age 16 with parental consent; 17-year-olds may give independently and there is no upper age limit for donating blood. For more information on donor eligibility and to make an appointment, call 1-800-366-2834 or visit carterbloodcare.org.
About Carter BloodCare
The 1998 merger between BloodCare of Dallas and Carter Blood Center of Fort Worth formed the nonprofit, 501(c)(3) community blood center known today as Carter BloodCare. In 2001, the blood center expanded into central Texas following the invitation to provide service to Waco hospitals. In April 2007, Carter BloodCare merged with a regional blood center in Tyler, furthering the reach into east Texas.
Each year, the center provides more than 300,000 units of blood products to meet patients’ treatment requirements. Services include collection, processing, specialized laboratory testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood components. With volunteer blood donors, Carter BloodCare is the primary provider of blood and transfusion services to more than 150 hospitals and healthcare facilities in North, Central and East Texas. The blood center is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, accredited by AABB and is a member of America’s Blood Centers.
