500 Pints Of Blood Sent To Help West Texas

We received this news release from United Blood Services today:

Blood Usage due to West Texas and Central Texas Explosions 

Lafayette, LA – United Blood Services would like to take this opportunity to relay to you the most recent information regarding the explosion in West Texas and Central Texas as it pertains to blood usage and the needs of these patients.  According to ABC, America’s Blood Centers, more than 500 pints of blood were sent to assist these patients by their local provider and Carter Blood Care.  Locally, it brings back vivid memories of the tragedies we have faced here on the Gulf Coast and the offers of help when blood was so desperately needed.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to these communities and families.

Of course, as the nation’s second largest blood provider, United Blood Services reaches out to other blood providers in times of tragedy and need, as we did in these instances. As of today, those needs have been met.  However, we remain ready to help as they work to restock their blood supply and address ongoing patient needs.

 The most important lesson we can take from tragedies like this, and the explosion in Boston, is to remain faithful in donating blood on a regular basis to our community blood provider.  None of us can predict when or where tragedy will strike – not for our nation or for our friends and family.  The blood that saves lives is the blood on the shelf that has been made ready for any emergency. 

Please keep in mind the many patients in our area counting on the local blood supply to be sufficient to meet their needs.  No patient should have to wait and no family should have to think about whether blood will be available.

If you would like to donate blood, please visit www.bloodhero.com to find a blood drive location in your area.  You can also call 337-235-LIFE(5433) for more information.

United Blood Services has been this area’s nonprofit community blood provider since 1953, and serves patients in 50 hospitals in South Louisiana. The United Blood Services network is one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit blood service organizations, and is a founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks).