From staff reports
South Texas Blood & Tissue is urging local residents to donate blood as supplies of several blood types have fallen to critical levels.
A blood drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, 1915 Veterans Blvd.
“When we heard how low supplies were, we jumped at the chance to host this blood drive,” said Blanca Larson, CEO and executive director of the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce.. “This is vital to our community right now and literally could cost lives.”
According to Kelli Baker, district supervisor for South Texas Blood & Tissue, supplies of AB-negative, B-negative and O-negative blood types have dropped to dangerously low levels.
“We have gone to critical status for units of blood, with many types being under 20 units, which is so scary,” Baker said.
She said the shortage could have serious consequences for hospitals and patients throughout the region.
“With us only having handfuls of these types of blood on the shelves, it means that if there is a major accident, we may not have enough blood to send to the hospital,” Baker said. “It also means anyone who is having surgery could have their surgery postponed. Patients who have blood diseases may not be able to get treatment, for example sickle cell anemia.”
Baker noted that summer months typically bring increased demand for blood as more people travel and traffic accidents increase.
“With summer here, we always see the need for blood go up, especially with people traveling more and more accidents,” she said.
Community members interested in donating blood can schedule an appointment online at:
https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/152138
Organizers encourage eligible donors of all blood types to participate, particularly those with AB-negative, B-negative and O-negative blood.
