Blood Drive Cancellations Impact Blood Supply

San Antonio, TX-    May 1, 2009

Several blood drives with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center (STBTC) were cancelled by businesses, schools and religious organizations in response to concerns about the swine flu outbreak. More than 350 units of blood were projected to have been collected in the schools that were recently closed and hundreds more may be lost if drives at other organizations continue to be cancelled.

“In preparation of any future closures and mobile blood drive cancellations, we are requesting healthy eligible donors to make an appointment to visit one of our eight fixed site locations or visit a blood drive in your area at this time,” stated Norman Kalmin, M.D., President/CEO and Medical Director for the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center.  The Center has more than 5,000 units of blood expected to be collected in the month of May at upcoming school blood drives. While additional school closures is not anticipated, the loss of units has a major impact on the community supply.  Each day, the center needs to collect 600 units of blood to ensure a reliable source of blood components for area hospitals and clinics.

 “In collaboration with the Metro Health, the appeal for blood is necessary,” states Fernando A. Guerra, M.D., Director of Health of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. “The blood supply is a vital component for the medical community and the public’s support is needed at this time to continue to help south Texas patients.”

There are eight convenient locations for donors. Anyone 17 years of age or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good general health may donate blood. Sixteen year old donors must have a signed parental consent for and weigh 120 pounds. Proper identification is required before beginning the donation process. 

Please contact the STBTC to schedule an appointment at 731-5590. For more information about blood donations, please contact the Center at (210) 731-5555 or 1-800-292-5534.

###