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Jay Price, resident of Sulphur Springs donated blood on Saturday at the Carter Blood-Care blood drive event in front of Brookshire’s. Sponsors American Legion, Post #66 and VFW 8560 headed as Drive Chair to help meet the high demands during the seasonal slump. -
Shonna Janway, a nurse at Heritage Home Health and Hospice donated during the onsite blood drive sponsored by Heritage for Carter BloodCare on Saturday; an event that attracted more than 20 donors, potentially saving the lives of more than 60 patients.
The universal blood type, O-negative is currently in high demand. Capable of treating any patient, this particular type is also unique in its ability to treat premature babies. In fact, it’s the only one that can. On average, 625,000 units of blood are distributed annually to pediatric patients.
Typically, donations drop each summer as high school donors go on break and people take family getaways. However, a round-the-clock need for blood, plasma and platelets never drops. Carter BloodCare urges eligible donors to beat the seasonal slump and keep blood readily available.
Catering to this high demand, the American Legion, Post #66 and VFW 8560 and Heritage Home Health and Hospice sponsored two separate blood drives this past weekend. “Blood Chair,” Heritage Home Health and Hospice hosted their event onsite Friday, while American Legion, Post #66 and VFW 8560 saved a spot for the “Carter Blood Bus” in front of Brookshire’s on Saturday. Heritage reported 21 units of blood donated, potentially saving the lives of 63 patients.
Chris Loggins, Fire Fighter of Dallas and Jay Price, 52 year resident of Sulphur Springs each donated a pint of blood on Saturday. Jay Price, donating blood for his second time, patiently awaited preparations after receiving a full screening and physical examination. Stating his reason for donating, Price said, “I just want to help.” With a total of 20 donors by 1 p.m., the phlebotomists on duty stayed busy most of the day.
According to one tech, Will Cornelio, all of the blood donated onsite stays within the community of Sulphur Springs. Carter BloodCare’s Blood Bus functions as a seven-daya-week operation, traveling throughout all of East Texas. “Whoever wants to sponsor one of our drive’s is more than welcome to,” mentioned one of the techs.
Equipped with four phlebotomists, one nurse and a bus driver, Carter BloodCare arrived from Tyler to provide a clean and safe environment for donors. For those wishing to sponsor a drive, contact Laine Wright, Sales Consultant for Carter BloodCare at 903-571-9667.