South Texans responded to last week’s appeal for blood, making 3,229 donations Jan. 7-12 to help re-stock hospitals throughout the more than 48 counties in the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center’s service area. 

But the needs of patients throughout the region are continuing to put a strain on supplies. One major automobile accident has the potential to wipe out the community’s blood supply in just a few hours. Several local hospitals had trauma cases recently that used dozens of units of blood, wiping out inventories.

STBTC is continuing to encourage both new and existing donors to make at least four donations each in 2020. Just one more lifesaving gift from every donor in South Texas would keep patients and their caregivers from worrying about postponing surgeries or missing a transfusion because of a blood shortage.

South Texans have made 1,376 blood donations since the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center issued its appeal to donors on Tuesday.

This response ensures that area hospitals will not have to postpone surgeries and other treatments.

However, Elizabeth Waltman, Chief Operating Officer of the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center said the blood supply is still not at adequate levels. 

“These much-needed donations have been very helpful, but the usage continues to be high and we are urging our donors to continue to respond to this appeal, and bring their family, friends and coworkers with them,” she said.

South Texans made 616 donations on Thursday, on top of 588 on Wednesday.