Texas members of Americas Blood Centers are issuing an unprecedented joint appeal for blood donors. While inventory levels vary across the state, severe shortages have disrupted non-emergency schedules. Metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio have been particularly affected by increased patient needs over the summer, coupled with challenges arising from recent donor travel restrictions imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All eligible donors are strongly urged to call or visit their community blood centers to donate.
Texas Governor Rick Perry commented on the need for blood donors, As a people, we are known for coming to the aid of our fellow Texans in times of need. For blood donation centers across our state, that time is now. I urge all Texans to share the gift of life and donate blood today.
Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown also urged local support today saying, I am strongly encouraging Houstonians to please donate blood right away, and to those who are not already blood donors to become donors. The best way to avoid a blood shortage crisis is to have an ongoing adequate supply of blood received from regular donations. In Houston, we should not have to have urgent calls for blood donations. When the blood supply reaches these dangerously low levels, surgeries are cancelled and already strained hospital emergency care is further compromised.
The largest providers of blood products and services, Americas Blood Centers members are located in 45 states and Canada, serving more than 125 million people at 450 blood donation sites. For 40 years, Americas Blood Centers have been committed to serving the needs of their local communities by saving lives through volunteer blood donation.
For more information on Americas Blood Centers, please call Americas Blood Centers toll-free at 1-888-US-BLOOD or visit our Web site at www.americasblood.org.
