Officials with San Antonio nonprofit BioBridge Global and its subsidiary South Texas Blood and Tissue said patients around South Texas and nationwide are facing an emergency blood and platelet shortage as donations have not kept pace with the demand this holiday season.
According to a news release, the number of donors making their way into STBT’s nine donor rooms and community blood drives are only able to meet about half of the patient needs in the region.
As a result, the local supply of blood and platelets is now at critical levels with a direct impact on patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries, or transfusions between cancer treatment or to support healing from other diseases, the release said.
As a result of a rapidly growing community, local hospitals are seeing more patients than ever, and more patients are needing blood, STBT Medical Director Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul said.
“With the lower-than-needed blood donor turnout, we are unable to fill all of the orders we are receiving from hospitals, which puts the community at risk of not have blood for treatment when it is needed,” Ngamsuntikul said
A 2022 report from America’s Blood Centers shows 3% of the U.S. population donates blood every year; however, most Americans will either know someone who needs bloo or will receive a transfusion themselves.
An aging population also increases the need for transfusions, which is one of the most common procedures performed by hospitals for patients 65 and older, the release said.
STBT Chief Operating Officer Adrienne Mendoza said the holidays are a time when the blood bank sees fewer donors.
“It’s really a great time to give blood, as this is a gift that someone will really appreciate. There are not that many gifts you can give in less than an hour, that will save a life,” Mendoza said.
One of the largest needs right now is for type O blood, which is often used in emergency situations, the release said, adding as holiday travel ensues, road collisions and the need for blood in trauma situations also rises. Throughout the rest of December, blood donors will receive at least 200 Rewards Store points, valued at $20, which can be redeemed for eGift cards and a “Don’t be a Grinch, Donate Blood” T-shirt.
Blood and platelet donations can be made at any of the nine donor rooms. Walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment or find a donor room, call 210-731-5590 or visit SouthTexasBlood.org.
