Hospitals in San Antonio are facing a critical shortage of blood, specifically types O-negative and O-positive. The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center has issued an urgent appeal for donors to help replenish supplies. To address this pressing need, the center, with assistance from community partners, is organizing a series of blood drives across the city.
Community Response and Safety Measures
As part of the initiative, blood drives are being set up in various locations, including churches and community centers. Donors are encouraged to register in advance and are required to wear face coverings upon arrival. Each donor will undergo a screening process to ensure they have not experienced any symptoms related to illness.
On Sunday morning, pre-registered donors began to line up outside MacArthur Park Church of Christ’s fellowship hall. Among them was donor Gretchen Young, who expressed confidence in the safety protocols. “I was asked how I feel when I came in,” Young said. “Everything’s been sanitized in front of me, so I feel like it’s very safe and probably more secure than prior to COVID-19.”
Roger Ruiz, a corporate communications specialist with the center, highlighted the importance of sanitation in the donation process. “Sanitizing the equipment between each appointment is essential for the staff,” he noted, as a total of 120 people registered for the blood drive that day.
Incentives for Donors and Community Impact
To encourage participation, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is offering incentives such as HEB gift cards and car wash vouchers to blood donors. “These community drives are set up for a reason in these rooms,” Ruiz explained. “We make sure that we can maintain social distancing and that you have a safe donation process when you come through here.”
Ruiz emphasized the critical role of donors, stating, “We need a 100% to show up, because that’s all that we’re collecting in the community right now. Patients need our help. There are always accidents and different kinds of treatments that are ongoing.”
Young, who has been a regular donor since her son was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at birth, echoed Ruiz’s sentiments about the need for blood donations. “COVID-19 really isn’t scaring me away,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of contributing to the community’s health.
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center serves a vast area, covering 48 counties and supplying hundreds of hospitals and clinics. As the demand for blood continues to grow, the center plans to host additional blood drives in the future. Businesses and organizations with suitable facilities are encouraged to reach out to the center at 210-731-5590 to explore hosting opportunities.
With the ongoing need for blood donations, the center is urging community members to consider participating in these drives to help save lives and support local hospitals during this critical time.
