With Spring Break travel expected to reduce donations, South Texas Blood & Tissue is urging the community to give blood to help maintain the region’s supply.
SAN ANTONIO — As Spring Break travel ramps up, South Texas Blood & Tissue is urging the community to donate blood to help keep the region’s supply stable.
Blood centers often see fewer donations during Spring Break as families travel and schools close. At the same time, hospitals can see an increase in trauma-related emergencies tied to travel and outdoor activities.
According to America’s Blood Centers and other U.S. blood organizations, patients across the country need about 30,000 units of red blood cells every day. Those donations support trauma care, cancer treatment, surgeries and people living with chronic illnesses.
To help maintain a steady supply, South Texas Blood & Tissue is encouraging people to donate between March 8 and March 11 at any donor center.
As a thank-you, donors will receive a limited-edition Fiesta-themed San Antonio Spurs T-shirt while supplies last.
Appointments can be scheduled online at SouthTexasBlood.org or by calling 833-You-Give (833-968-4483). Donors can also use the promo code SPURS when booking.
Health officials say repeat donors are critical to maintaining the blood supply. Only about 3% of eligible Americans donate blood each year, according to blood organizations.