Drive is in response to the nationwide blood shortage and to help serve patients in Texas
The mobile blood collection vehicles were stationed in front of the facility located at 12002 General Milton Dr. to collect blood donations from 28 members of the greater Laredo community, including Medline employees.
Throughout the five-hour event, South Texas Blood & Tissue was able to collect 24 units of blood, which will be able to help save 72 patient lives.
“It’s great to work with organizations like Medline that understand the importance of saving the lives of patients in our area,” said Jesse Cortez, Donor Recruitment Consultant with South Texas Blood & Tissue. “Since the pandemic, more than 1,200 blood drives have been canceled leading to local blood shortages.”
This event serves the community at a critical time, with the nationwide blood shortage affecting care for cancer, transplant, trauma and diabetic patients. Since the onset of COVID-19, there has been the biggest drop in blood donations in more than a decade.
“We understand the weight that the nationwide blood shortage carries on health care workers’ shoulders, and we’re honored to partner with the South Texas Blood & Tissue organization to raise both blood donations and awareness, allowing more patients to access the care they need,” said Kavita Idnani-Ramos, Human Resources Manager with Medline’s Laredo facility.
Medline is a manufacturer and distributer of medical supplies serving the continuum of care and operates a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with over 300 employees in Laredo.
For over 45 years, South Texas Blood & Tissue has been committed to saving and improving the lives of patients throughout Texas. For more information on donating or eligibility visit https://biobridgeglobal.org/donors/blood-donation.