Carter BloodCare is asking all healthy and eligible blood donors – even those that have never considered giving blood – to please make time to do so this month.
January’s icy weather conditions, and seasonal illnesses like the flu, resulted in about 800 fewer blood donations last month than was expected by the community’s blood program.
The number of reported flu cases is rising in Texas and Carter BloodCare continues to receive appointment cancellations from donors who attribute it to the illness.
Hospitals have an ongoing requirement for blood, to fulfill the transfusion orders for about 600 to 700 patients daily; and as the community blood supplier, Carter BloodCare needs to see 1,000 blood donors a day to keep pace with this demand.
Fairview Healthcare Residence is hosting a blood drive from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, at 601 E. Reunion St. in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus.
For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Cheryle Chaffin at (903) 389-4121.
There is no substitute for human blood. Each person, even with the same blood type, gives a unique blood donation. A wide diversity of blood donors is also necessary to maintain a safe and sufficient blood supply.
It takes about an hour to give one pint of whole blood. Blood transfusion can do more than save a life – it can provide hope and renewed energy for folks who battle a chronic blood disorder, or undergo cancer and surgical treatments.
Remember to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water one to two hours 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.
