Celebrating lifesaving donors and Fiesta in a big way
WHAT: The community blood supply has seen a significant decline in the last few weeks, as many donors have been on spring break. And with upcoming Fiesta celebrations, which tend to interrupt the usual schedule of donations and an increase in accidents that may require blood transfusions, hospitals are concerned that current appointments will not meet the needs of local patients.
“Spring break is already a challenging time, as we see a drop in donations and blood drives as high schools and colleges are out,” said Adrienne Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer, South Texas Blood & Tissue. “Having Fiesta so close to spring break makes assuring that we have an adequate blood supply more challenging.”
To celebrate Fiesta and blood donors will receive the South Texas Blood & Tissue 2022 Fiesta medal and an eGift card of choice when they donate now until April 30. The Fiesta medal also comes to life virtually when viewed through a phone app. Donors can see the animation by scanning the QR code found on the back of the medal.
To adequately support area hospitals, 600 donations are needed daily, and currently less than 400 donations are made. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those undergoing treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease require transfusions on a regular basis.
Donors are encouraged to schedule a donation at SouthTexasBlood.org or call 210-731-5590.
WHERE: Any South Texas Blood & Tissue Center donor room or blood drive.
