In the aftermath of chaos and lives lost in Dallas recently, Carter BloodCare is grateful to loyal blood donors who made sure the blood center could supply local hospitals with blood products required to treat police officers and civilians, injured during an ambush following a protest march.

The July 7, attack is a reminder that the blood on the hospital shelves before an accident happens is the blood transfused to patients when they reach a hospital emergency room.

“During a tragedy, Carter BloodCare sees the best in people,” said Linda Goelzer, director of public relations, Carter BloodCare. “Whether it is following the shooting in Dallas or the plant explosion in West, Carter BloodCare receives an outpouring of support. And our message remains the same: please make an appointment to give blood today so it is ready at any moment for patients that might need it. Hundreds of patients each day receive blood transfusions and do not make news headlines.”

Carter BloodCare urges the Tyler community to salute fallen officers or just give life by donating blood. This will help ensure the right type of blood is on the shelf at the right time, when a patient urgently needs it.

The Salvation Army is hosting three opportunities to give this month. The first blood drive is from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, August 12, at 633 N. Broadway in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. Salvation Army will again host a blood drive from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, August 19, at Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, 5976 Old Jacksonville Highway in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. The final Salvation Army blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 20, at Lowe's, 5720 S. Broadway Ave., in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Cindy Bell at (903) 592-4361.

Robert E. Lee High School is hosting a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, at McDonald's, 5802 S. Broadway in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Allison Rogers at 512-775-2564.

In addition to donating blood at a local blood drive, consider giving more than once a year – two to three times is preferable. Host a blood drive by emailing bookablooddrive@carterbloodcare.org. Visit carterbloodcare.org and click ‘give life’ to watch personal video stories about lives affected by blood transfusions. Share a personal experience by emailing TellUsYourStory@carterbloodcare.org.

Remember to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water at least an hour before giving blood. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well on the day of donation, and present a government-issued photo ID each time they give blood.

Potential blood donors may volunteer beginning at age 16 with parental consent; 17-year-olds may give independently and there is no upper age limit for donating blood. For more information on donor eligibility and to make an appointment, call 1-800-366-2834 or visit carterbloodcare.org.

About Carter BloodCare
Carter BloodCare is the independent, community based blood center serving north, central and east Texas. The blood center is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) organization and is the primary provider of blood and transfusion services to more than 200 medical facilities in more than 55 counties. Each year, the center provides more than 300,000 units of blood products to meet patients’ treatment requirements. Services include collection, processing, specialized laboratory testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood components, to support transfusion and transplant medicine. The organization is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, accredited by AABB, and is a member of America’s Blood Centers. Visit carterbloodcare.org to learn more.

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