STHS addressing national blood shortage

SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM PARTNERING WITH SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE TO HOST BLOOD DRIVE TO ADDRESS NATIONAL BLOOD SHORTAGE

While not directly affected by the national blood shortage, STHS is taking proactive measures to ensure lifesaving medical procedures can continue

Throughout the United States, an emergency blood shortage is causing a commotion in the healthcare industry.

Already experiencing the lowest number of individuals donating in the last 20 years, the American Red Cross – the largest blood supplier in the nation – saw national blood inventory plummet 25% in the summer as record-breaking heat disrupted blood drives nationwide.

Blood and platelet donations are needed to help alleviate the shortage that is impacting lifesaving medical procedures on a national level.

While South Texas Health System is not directly affected by the national shortage, the system is taking proactive measures to ensure its facilities are able to maintain a stable blood supply.

“Having blood products readily available is essential to providing timely and lifesaving care to patients in need, especially type O,” says Tony De Luna, BSN, RN, the emergency room director and interim trauma director at STHS McAllen’s Level I Trauma Center. “For trauma patients, each minute of delay can increase the chance of death by 5%, according to the latest research.”

Each year more than a quarter of all blood products are used in critical care and emergency room situation, with those transfusions only available due to the generosity of blood and platelet donors.

To help build up the local blood supply in the lead up to the winter season, when the holiday season, colder weather and increased illnesses like the flu lead to fewer donations, South Texas Health System is partnering with South Texas Blood & Tissue – the sole blood provider for STHS – to host the Lucky Draw Blood Drive on Friday, December 20th.

From 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Rio Grande Valley residents can stop by the main parking lot at STHS McAllen to donate blood in South Texas Blood & Tissue’s mobile unit.

Donors at least 17 years and older (16 with parental consent) and in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Remember to eat a good meal, drink additional water and avoid energy drinks. A valid photo ID is required to donate blood, which could help up to three individuals, per South Texas Blood & Tissue. 

Sign-ups are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome. As a thank you for their lifesaving blood donation, donors will receive a coupon for one free Cafe Olé product from HEB as well as be entered for a chance to win one of several HEB gift cards valued between $10 to $150.

For more information, contact blood drive coordinator Anabeth Molina at 956-821-7402 or via email at anabeth.molina@uhsrgv.com.

Who: South Texas Health System & South Texas Blood & Tissue

What: Community Blood Drive

When: Friday, December 20, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where: Main Parking Lot South Texas Health System McAllen 301 W. Expressway 83 McAllen, TX 78503

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

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