Urgent Call for O-Negative and O-Positive Blood Donations in San Antonio

The South Texas Blood and Tissue Centers (STBTC) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, specifically targeting individuals with O-negative and O-positive blood types. This request follows a critical need within local hospitals, highlighting the importance of community support in maintaining adequate blood supplies.

Community Blood Drives Underway

To address this pressing need, the STBTC is collaborating with various community partners to host a series of blood drives across San Antonio. These initiatives aim to increase donor turnout while ensuring the safety of all participants during the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Donors are encouraged to wear face coverings and will undergo health screenings upon arrival.

On Sunday morning, a significant turnout was observed at the MacArthur Park Church of Christ, where many pre-registered donors lined up to contribute. One of those donors, Gretchen Young, expressed confidence in the safety measures implemented at the event. “I was asked how I feel when I came in. 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,” Young stated.

According to Roger Ruiz, a corporate communications specialist with the STBTC, stringent sanitization protocols are in place to ensure donor safety. “We make sure that we can maintain social distancing and that you have a safe donation process when you come through here,” Ruiz explained. The organization aims to collect blood from a projected 120 donors during each event.

Incentives and Future Plans

In an effort to motivate more individuals to donate, the STBTC is providing various incentives, including HEB gift cards and car wash vouchers. Ruiz emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need a 100% turnout 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.”

Young, a long-time donor, shared her personal connection to the cause. “My son, he’s 14 and was in the NICU when he was born. Since then, I’ve regularly donated blood. So, I guess COVID-19 really isn’t scaring me away,” she said.

The STBTC serves over 48 counties and numerous hospitals and clinics throughout the region. They plan to continue organizing blood drives and are actively seeking businesses and organizations with large spaces willing to host future events. Interested parties can contact the center at 210-731-5590 for more information.

As the need for blood donations remains critical, the efforts of local organizations and community members are essential in supporting health care facilities and ensuring that patients receive timely medical care. The urgency of this call to action underscores the impact that individual contributions can make in times of need.