SAN ANTONIO – The entire country is in critical need of blood supply, especially in areas already hit with coronavirus.
KSAT Community partner, University Health System is already experiencing a sharp drop-off in donors due to COVID-19 creating a serious shortage in its blood supply.
“We anticipate a major blood shortage in San Antonio in the next few weeks and for the foreseeable future,” said Dr. Leslie Greebon, University Health System Medical Director of Transfusion Services.
Now is the time to donate blood if you can.
University Health System will host a blood drive Friday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Highpoint located at 8401 Datapoint Drive, Suite #175.
Click here to make an appointment to donate blood.
“People who are bleeding because of childbirth, because of major surgery, because of traumatic injury – that number is not going to change because we’ve shut down schools and limited visitation at hospitals,” said Dr. Donald Jenkins, a University Hospital trauma surgeon and UT Health San Antonio professor.
University Hospital’s Emergency Department averages 70,000 emergency patients each year and transfused 30,000 in 2017.
“COVID-19 is already causing critical blood shortages as people respond to social distancing messages by canceling blood drives and donations,” Greebon said.
Every time one donor gives blood, they are able to help University Health System save three lives.
Are there incentives for donating?
Yes, besides saving lives and resupplying University Health System’s blood bank, donors will also receive a St. Patrick’s day clover cookie, drawstring bag and the highly coveted…hand sanitizer.
This is an appointment-only blood drive.
Social distancing will be practiced at this event.
To make an appointment visit donatebloodtoday.com or call 210-358-2812 for questions.
KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.