Carter BloodCare officials in the area are concerned that blood donations are down this year and the Central Texas blood supply is running low at the end of the month, especially with the inclement weather and after the holidays.

The blood center urges eligible donors to give blood in the coming days to ensure supplies are available to treat patients at Central, North Central and East Texas hospitals.

Central Texas residents can give in Waco at the donor center in the Brazos Place Shopping Center at the corner of Waco Drive and New Road.

The donor center is open Monday through Saturday at various hours to make blood donation convenient for all.

For more information and to make an appointment, contact Carter BloodCare at 1-800-DONATE-4 or carterbloodcare.org.

“Maintaining an adequate blood supply is necessary for patient care in our community,” says Carter BloodCare President and CEO, Dr. Merlyn Sayers.

“Cancer, surgery and trauma patients cannot wait for blood, it must be available when it is needed.”

In order for the community blood supply to be prepared for both large and small crisis situations, Carter BloodCare must have all types of blood available, especially Type O, before the crisis happens. One pint of blood can help save up to three lives.

The need for blood is relentless. Some of the world’s leading medical facilities are located in Carter BloodCare’s service area and require large quantities of blood and blood components 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Carter BloodCare provides blood for approximately 500 patients each day, and because most patients require more than one transfusion, the blood center must register approximately 1100 volunteer donors each day to keep pace with the demand.

Carter BloodCare is a not-for-profit, community-based blood center, accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks, licensed by the Food and Drug Administration and affiliated with America’s Blood Centers.

Carter BloodCare provides blood components and transfusion services for patients at approximately 300 health care facilities in 54 Central, North Central and East Texas counties, including Providence Health Center and Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco.

Be a Part of Something Great. Give Blood. Often.