So. TX Blood & Tissue: A Shortage Of Blood, Platelet Supply During Summer Months

The South Texas Blood and Tissue urges blood and platelet donors to choose their day to give and help ensure blood is available for patients all summer long during its annual summer awareness campaign, sponsored by Dianne Flack Furniture.

“Many Americans will be celebrating the official start to summer this Fourth of July weekend to a shortage of blood and platelet donations when regular donors become busy,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships for the Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Patients don’t get a summer holiday from needing lifesaving blood and platelet donations and are counting on generous volunteers to help maintain a sufficient supply this summer.”

To encourage donations around the 4th of July holiday, those who come to give blood or platelets on July 1st will receive an HEB $10 gift card as well as a wellness checkup while supplies last. The South Texas Blood and Tissue relies on volunteer donors for the 14,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. However, during the summer months of June, July, and August, about two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each South Texas Blood and Tissue drive than what patients need.

Dianne Flack Furniture supports the South Texas Blood and Tissues summer campaign

As official sponsor of the summer campaign, which begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day weekend, Dianne Flack Furniture will help promote the need for blood and platelet donations and will encourage its employees and customers to give.

Dianne Flack Furniture is proud to partner with the South Texas Blood and Tissue and help raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood and platelets – especially during the crucial summer months,” said Angie Flack at Dianne Flack Furniture. “By expanding our partnership with South Texas Blood and Tissue this year, we can continue to support the life-changing work of the South Texas Blood and Tissue and make an even bigger difference in communities across the country.”

About donating blood

For more information about this blood drive contact Angie Flack (830-743-1641)  to get a time on Friday, July 1st. Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.