Friendly competition brings more than 250 blood donations, as blood demand surges 35%
The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center declared District 7 the winner of the “SA District Challenge” competition, featuring blood drives hosted by each of the 10 City Council districts between Jan. 19-22. Members of the community came out to support their district and local patients in need of blood, with more than 250 donations during the campaign.
District 7 won the challenge with 51 donations, followed by District 9 and District 4. District 7 Councilmember Ana Sandoval will receive a winning plaque and bragging rights until the next SA District Challenge, which is being planned for Summer 2021.
“I’m proud my colleagues and I could channel our competitive spirits toward saving lives,” said Councilwoman Sandoval. “Thank you to the District 7 residents who came forward to help our community and to Pastor Diehl and Brandy Weitzel at Crossroads Baptist Church for their hard work and partnership.”
The challenge helped meet continuing blood demands and helped promote National Blood Donor Month. The competition was organized by councilmember Sandoval and her staff with the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, a subsidiary of BioBridge Global.
“There has been a surge in demand for blood during January, with orders from area hospitals about 35% higher than average, as non-COVID patients are admitted for procedures that may have been delayed over the holidays or because of the pandemic,” said Elizabeth Waltman, chief operating officer at South Texas Blood & Tissue Center.
“We look forward to making the next blood drive challenge an even bigger success by encouraging organizations and businesses to join their council district in making these drives special for lifesaving donors,” Sandoval said. “With more than 1,000 blood drives cancelled since the start of the pandemic, we also hope to encourage more groups to host drives and to ask their members and employees to support blood donation.”
“I’m proud District 9 placed in the top three during the District Challenge. Thank you to all the donors that were able to make it out,” said Councilman John Courage, District 9. “Donating
blood, especially during this pandemic, is a selfless act and a testament to our San Antonio neighbors to pull together. The life you save could be your own.”
“As people try to find ways to provide support and stay connected in safe ways, I am proud and grateful to all the residents in District 4 who embody the spirit of community and generosity,” said Councilwoman Dr. Rocha Garcia, “Even when confronting adversity, District 4 residents rise to the challenge and find ways to help one another, whether it’s donating blood or helping distribute food to a neighbor in need.”
The need for blood never ends. Donors who were unable to donate during the SA District Challenge can still give at a South Texas Blood & Tissue Center drive or donor room. Make an appointment or host a blood drive by visiting SouthTexasBlood.org or calling 210-731-5590.
