Posted: 7/14/2021
Public can donate at Parkland blood drive on July 15
While blood donations typically decline during the summer months, this year the pandemic has caused an even greater drop in donations, leading to a chronic shortage for area hospitals including Parkland Health & Hospital System.
“We are currently in a shortage situation and actually have not technically seen ‘good’ supply levels in quite some time,” said Joseph Chang, MD, Chief Medical Officer. “Parkland encourages those who are able to strongly consider donation, as your blood could, quite literally, save a life.”
According to Carter BloodCare officials, the 15-month blood shortage is not sustainable and will lead to limitations in medical services if there are not enough blood donors to boost the supply.
To meet the urgent need for blood, Parkland will host a blood drive open to the public on Thursday, July 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Carter BloodCare mobile blood donation unit which will be located adjacent to Parkland’s Maple Avenue Garage at 5143 Maple Ave., Dallas 75235. No appointment is needed but those wishing to make an appointment can do so online at https://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/125993.
Parking vouchers will be provided. Blood donors should bring a driver’s license, know their medications, eat a good meal and drink lots of fluids before donating. If fully vaccinated, masks are not required. If you are not vaccinated or have only received 1 of 2 doses, please wear a mask. No proof of vaccination is required. To learn more, please visit Carter BloodCare or contact Monique Barksdale, RN at 469-419-1628 or Monique.Barksdale@phhs.org
There are thousands of qualified people who have never been invited to give blood, Parkland officials say. They recommend that donors bring someone with them, such as fellow members of book clubs or church groups, workout buddies, neighbors, family or friends.
At Parkland, patients receive life-saving transfusions for traumatic injuries and also for a wide range of other conditions such as chronic gastrointestinal bleeding or sickle cell disease, a severe hereditary form of anemia in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to adequately deliver oxygen throughout the body. Blood and blood products may also be used during surgical cases, labor and delivery, dialysis or for oncology patients, among others. As a result, Parkland is one of the largest users of blood products in the area.
To find a blood donation location near you, visit American Red Cross or Carter BloodCare.
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhospital.com