Less than One in Ten Donates Blood more than Once per Year

Carter BloodCare must register approximately 1,000 donors each day to keep up with hospital demand for blood products. If each eligible blood donor gave just one more time per year, there would seldom be a blood shortage.

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 26 at 800 E. Dawson in Haddad Hall. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Rae Champagne at 903-606-3340.

An increasing number of cancer treatment facilities are opening throughout north, central and east Texas. Cancer patients are often administered platelet transfusions, to counter the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Carter BloodCare urges blood donors to consider giving platelets and to speak with a staff member about your eligibility for this type of donation. Platelets have a five-day shelf life, so your donation will assist a patient within days of your giving it.

Eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water one to two hours before giving blood. Standard eligibility requirements are a minimum weight of 110 pounds, the donor feels well that day and presents a government-issued photo ID at each donation.

Potential blood donors may volunteer 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.