News Releases

Locally, Carter BloodCare, as well as blood programs nationwide, are reporting dangerous declines in blood collections brought on by COVID-19 closures, a recent surge in sickness from the virus and previously aggravated by weather challenges and wildfires in western states. The number of blood donations this year is decreased by tens of thousands compared with the same time last year.

On Friday, December 18, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price donated COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) to help patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19. Carter BloodCare’s Rosedale Donor Center was the venue for Price's donation, located at 1263 W. Rosedale Street, Suite 100 Fort Worth, Texas 76104.

Two east Texans that survived COVID-19 were the first in the area to donate their convalescent plasma with Carter BloodCare’s East Texas operation Thursday, April 23rd.  Plasma collected from recently recovered individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 is being used as an experimental treatment for seriously ill COVID-19 patients who are not responding to other medical interventions. Carter BloodCare is working with doctors, hospitals and the Smith County Medical Society (SCMS) to encourage individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, to register as potential convalescent plasma donors so that more patients can have access to the investigational treatment.  

“We need people to start turning out in force to give blood.” That urgent call-to-action coming from Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, as fear about the coronavirus is keeping people from wanting to donate blood.

Over the past week, blood centers throughout the country are experiencing a significant drop in donations which is limiting the ability for the nation’s blood supply to be adequately replenished.

Concerns over the coronavirus are negatively impacting the nation’s blood supply and it has blood centers around the country appealing to the public that now is the time to donate.

Carter BloodCare has responded to a plea for help from a Seattle-area community blood center by shipping 100 units of type O Rh positive blood. Bloodworks Northwest is responsible for supplying blood products to hospitals that are in the middle of ground zero for the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The blood program reported 12 canceled blood drives by one of the region’s largest employers. Additionally, schools and universities have closed and businesses are implementing employee telecommuting. One blood banking executive called it ‘the perfect storm for a blood shortage.’

Carter BloodCare recognizes that there are concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. As your community blood center, be reassured that we are closely monitoring disease progression. We have daily communications with AABB, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The blood banking community members also remain in close contact with each other about best practices. Carter BloodCare’s mission is at the heart of what we do – saving lives by making transfusion possible.

With the new year comes a new calendar, new resolutions and new hope for health. The year also starts off with National Blood Donor Month – celebrated since 1970 when President Richard Nixon declared it a time to honor the contributions of volunteer blood donors throughout the country. When marking the 2019 calendar for holidays, birthdays and special events, consider marking the calendar for blood donation, too.

Carter BloodCare says blood donors can return as often as every 56 days. Additionally, blood types that are Rh negative (A-, B-, O-, AB-) occur less frequently in the population, so blood centers can run low on these types.

WACO, Texas (October 23, 2018) – The marvels of modern medicine include the ability to transfuse living tissue – blood – from one person to another. Volunteer blood donors, like those in Waco make it possible to treat acute disease, chronic conditions, even cancers. That is a reason to give countless thanks. Carter BloodCare delivers transfusion services for north, central and east Texas hospitals, for patients that number in the hundreds, daily. Treatments, such as chemotherapy, are heavily supported with blood or platelets “at the ready.”  Additionally, the life-saving capabilities are not possible without 1,000 volunteers giving blood every day

ATHENS, Texas (October 26, 2018) – The marvels of modern medicine include the ability to transfuse living tissue – blood – from one person to another. Volunteer blood donors, like those in Athens make it possible to treat acute disease, chronic conditions, even cancers. That is a reason to give countless thanks. Carter BloodCare delivers transfusion services for north, central and east Texas hospitals, for patients that number in the hundreds, daily. Treatments, such as chemotherapy, are heavily supported with blood or platelets “at the ready.”  Additionally, the life-saving capabilities are not possible without 1,000 volunteers giving blood every day.

There is no substitute for human blood. And when a patient’s life is on the line, blood must be ready with only a moment’s notice.