San Antonio hospitals urgently seek donations of blood types O-negative and O-positive, according to the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center (STBTC). To address this critical need, the organization is partnering with community groups to host numerous blood drives across the city.
In response to the heightened demand for blood donations, the STBTC has implemented enhanced safety measures for donors. These include requiring face coverings and health screenings to ensure that attendees have not experienced any symptoms related to COVID-19. The center aims to create a safe environment for all participants.
On a recent Sunday morning, donors began arriving at the MacArthur Park Church of Christ’s fellowship hall. Among them was Gretchen Young, who expressed her confidence in the safety protocols. “I was asked how I feel when I came in,” she stated. “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 STBTC, emphasized the importance of sanitizing equipment between appointments. A total of 120 individuals registered for the blood drive, highlighting the pressing need for contributions. Ruiz noted, “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 going on.”
To incentivize donations, the STBTC is offering HEB gift cards, car wash vouchers, and other rewards to participants. Ruiz explained that these community drives are strategically set up to maintain social distancing and ensure a safe donation process.
Young, who has been a regular donor since her son was born and spent time in the NICU, underscored her commitment to helping others. “COVID-19 really isn’t scaring me away,” she remarked, reinforcing the notion that the need for blood donations transcends pandemic concerns.
The STBTC serves 48 counties and numerous hospitals and clinics within the region. Plans are in place to conduct more blood drives in the future. Organizations or businesses with suitable large spaces interested in hosting a drive are encouraged to contact the center at 210-731-5590.
As San Antonio faces ongoing challenges in maintaining adequate blood supplies, the community’s participation will be crucial in supporting local hospitals and patients in need.
