Baylor Scott & White is encouraging the Central Texas community to donate blood in order to avoid avoid a shortage.
According the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), this pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges to blood collection in the U.S., causing dramatic reductions in available inventory on the Blood Bank shelves.
Maintaining an adequate blood supply is critical to a healthy community and Central Texas is among many areas of the country that are at risk, Baylor Scott and White said in a statement.
Through the generosity of blood donors, the Baylor Scott & White Blood Center has thus far been able to meet those in need of life saving blood, including those who experience traumatic events or in need of a medical procedure requiring the use of blood.
However, traditionally the summer months take a toll on the area’s blood supply and with the reduction in collections associated with the pandemic, the blood supply could easily drop to a critical low level.
"In a spirit of humility, we are asking those in our community who are willing and able to donate blood to consider blood donation in Temple or at an upcoming blood drive this month and through the summer. The safety of our donors and staff remain a priority, and new measures have been implemented to create a safe donor experience," the statement said.
Beginning July 6, 2020, all blood donations at Baylor Scott & White Blood Center will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies, the Blood Center said.
COVID-19 antibody testing for blood donors may determine if a donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, whether the donor exhibited symptoms or not. If a person donates blood to the Baylor Scott & White Blood Center and is interested in their test results – they can request their results to be sent to them at time of their donation.
People interested in donating can first schedule an appointment online at www.bswblood.com or call 254-724-4376 to ensure the safest possible approach.
