Blood donations have reached some of the lowest summer levels in years, increasing pressure on hospitals across South Texas.
SAN ANTONIO — South Texas Blood & Tissue is urgently asking the community to donate blood as summer donations continue to decline, creating a critical shortage that could impact patients across South Texas.
Summer Blood Shortage Reaches Critical Levels
The call comes as blood centers nationwide report some of the lowest summer donation levels in years. One national organization recently declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history, citing a four-year summer low in blood donations and increasing demand from hospitals.
Locally, South Texas Blood & Tissue is experiencing many of the same challenges.
Every Donation Helps Save Lives
“When blood inventories are low, hospitals can be forced to make difficult decisions, including delaying surgeries and other treatments until more blood is available,” said Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, medical director of South Texas Blood & Tissue. “That’s why we need every eligible donor, whether you’ve donated for years or are considering your very first donation, to schedule an appointment as soon as you can.”
Unlike manufactured medications, blood cannot be made in a laboratory. It can only come from generous volunteer donors. Every donation has the potential to save up to three lives.
“We are asking all potential donors – both regular and first-time donors – to make a commitment to donate blood in the coming days and weeks,” said John Hagins, chair of the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism. “Donating now, or making an appointment to donate soon, will help ensure that all patients throughout the country have access to the care they need.”
Why Type O Blood Is Especially Important
Type O blood stays especially important because it is the blood type most often needed during emergencies and trauma situations. However, donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help replenish the community blood supply.
South Texas Blood & Tissue supplies blood to hospitals throughout South Texas. A stable local blood supply ensures physicians have lifesaving blood products available whenever patients need them.
Eligible donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment or visit a South Texas Blood & Tissue donor center or mobile blood drive as soon as possible. Appointments can be made at SouthTexasBlood.org/Give, by calling 833-YOU-GIVE (833-968-4483) or 210-731-5590.
Important stats:
- If you’ve had a tattoo or live with diabetes, you can still donate blood!
- Donated blood is essential to healthcare systems everywhere, supporting patients during emergencies, childbirth, surgeries, cancer treatment, and other serious conditions.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I donate blood in San Antonio?
Schedule an appointment at SouthTexasBlood.org, bring a photo ID, complete a brief questionnaire, and give!
What do I get for donating blood?
Anyone who gives will receive donor points that can be redeemed in the Donor Store for gift cards, Spurs swag, and more!
Why are type O blood donors especially needed?
Type O blood is the most common type in South Texas, and certain units of type O can be used in emergencies.
Voice-over:
Blood donations across the country are at critical lows, even as demand increases. That includes South Texas Blood & Tissue, which is urging the community to give blood for patients who need it across the region.
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About South Texas Blood & Tissue: South Texas Blood & Tissue is a nonprofit community blood center that provides blood, plasma, platelets and other blood components to 110 hospitals in 49 South Texas counties. It is the largest blood supplier in the region. Through the generous life-legacy gifts of human tissue, South Texas Blood & Tissue also supports development of tissue allografts for patients in need of reconstructive surgery, repair or tissue regeneration. South Texas Blood & Tissue has a 50-plus years of service to the South Texas community and is part of the BioBridge Global family of nonprofit organizations, which offers services in regenerative medicine and research, including blood banking and resource management; cellular therapy; umbilical cord blood collection and storage; donated human tissue recovery and distribution for transplant; and testing of blood and plasma products to help patients in the United States and worldwide. South Texas Blood & Tissue has nine donor centers in South Texas and conducts hundreds of mobile blood drives each year. Learn more at SouthTexasBlood.org.
