Blood centers across North Texas have been experiencing severe blood shortages since the start of the pandemic — and that hasn’t let up. The low supply has made it more difficult for doctors to treat trauma patients and perform surgeries.
Summers are traditionally a slow season for blood donations. On top of that, as COVID-19 continues to surge, blood banks are worried about low inventory.
“In 30 years, the blood supply has never seen such a chronic low as it has since the beginning of the pandemic,” according to Carter BloodCare, a community blood center.
Most blood banks, including Carter BloodCare, rely on volunteer donors. The pandemic shut down blood drives at businesses, schools, and religious and community centers.
Some blood drives are slowly restarting with safety precautions in place. If you’re considering donating blood, here are four options:
1. Baylor Scott & White Blood Center
Date: Open Monday-Friday until 5 p.m.
Address: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, 2401 S 31st St, Suite 115, Temple
Register: Schedule a visit online or call 254-724-4376 to request an appointment.
2. Carter BloodCare Blood Drive with the Texas Rangers
Dates: Sept. 2-4.
Address: 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington, TX 7601
Register: Click on the date you will be attending, Thursday, September 2 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday, September 3 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturday, September 4 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3. Carter BloodCare Centers In North Texas
Address: 12829 Preston Rd. Suite 427, Dallas, TX 75230
Register: Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available. Call 972- 980-9210.
Address: 4201 Gaston Ave.Suite 110, Dallas, TX 75246
Register: Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available. Call 214- 217-5676.
Address: 1263 W. Rosedale St. Suite #100, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Register: Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available. Call 817- 335-4935.
Address: 4701 W. Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75093
Register: Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available. Call 972-612-2098
Address: 1515 N. Town East Blvd. Suite 151, Mesquite, TX 75150
Register: Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available. Call 817- 412-5830
Address: 7750 N. MacArthur Blvd. #115, Irving, TX 75063
Register: Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available. Call 972- 258-0055
Address: 2215 South Loop 288, Suite 335, Denton, TX 76205
Register: Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available. Call 940- 383-2055
4. American Red Cross Blood Drive At Parkland Hospital
Date: Sept. 2 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Register:Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available.
Address: 2055 Kendall Dr, Dallas 752355. American Red Cross Blood Drive At Irving
Date: Sept. 4 from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register: Registration is encouraged, but walk-in appointments are available.
Address: 333 West John Carpenter Freeway, Irving 75039
To find a blood donation location near you, visit the American Red Cross website.
Blood donors can be as young as 16-years-old if they have parental consent, and anyone over 17 does not need consent. Donors need to bring a photo ID.
Before going to donate, doctors say you should eat healthy the day before, get a full night of rest and drink plenty of water.
Got a tip? Alejandra Martinez is a Report For America corps member and writes about the impact of COVID-19 on underserved communities for KERA News. Email Alejandra at amartinez@kera.org. You can follow Alejandra on Twitter @alereports.
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