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Giving Blood

15 Reasons Why You Should Give Blood

At Carter BloodCare we have many reasons for why everyone should donate blood. But, we decided to reach out to our donors and ask why they think it is important to give blood. We asked our donors on Facebook, “In 20 words or less, tell us why it is important to donate blood.”  Check out the top 14 reasons below.

  1. It saves lives, what else do you need to know?
  2. It is not more painful then losing a loved one that you may save by donating!
  3. It is your civic duty.
  4. Because I know too many people who can’t give blood.
  5. Because some day, I may need someone to do the same for me.
  6. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!
  7. Because if you need blood one day, you would not hesitate to take it, so why would you hesitate to give it?
  8. Blood donation is important because maintaining an adequate blood supply in our community secures blood transfusions for patients.
  9. Because I can.
  10. Nutter Butters.
  11. The question is, why not give blood?
  12.  It gives donors a medical check at no cost. 
  13.  Free cookies, juice and the satisfaction of helping others.
  14.  I can’t discover a cure for cancer, but I can help keep someone alive while they are waiting for a cure.

So what are you waiting for? With more than 26 donor centers in North, Central and East Texas – and blood drives happening every day, it’s easier than ever to be a part of something great and donate blood. Schedule an appointment on our website, or give us a call at 1-800-366-2834.

Tell us why YOU give blood below.

May 17, 2013

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by jgayle


Giving Blood

Where Can I Give Blood?

“Where can I give blood?” is a very common question we are often asked on our blog, Facebook, Twitter, emails and phone calls. Since Carter BloodCare serves 58 counties all over North, Central and East Texas, we have many locations to choose from when giving blood.

How can I find a donor center closest to me?

Visit www.carterbloodcare.org and click on the orange “Locations” box as you can see above in the picture.

If you are searching for a donor center, click on the “Donor Centers” option in orange. You will find an address and phone number for 26 donor center locations. Once you click on “Donor Center” you will be able to see available time slots to schedule an appointment online. It’s easy as 1-2-3! Scheduling an appointment will simply save you time. Many of our donors like to schedule appointments since they give blood during their lunch break. Schedule your appointment today so you don’t have to wait!

I want to donate blood for an organization sponsoring a mobile blood drive. How do I find the details?

Perhaps you know a member of the community who is need of blood and there is a local organization hosting a blood drive for the specific individual, but you don’t know the details. Luckily, our website allows you to not only search for donor centers, but to also search for mobile blood drives. Users can search by map, city name, county name,  zip code or by searching for the name of the sponsored organization holding the blood drive.

Also, if a donor center is a little bit of a drive for you, then check our website for a mobile blood drive in your immediate area.  We update our website daily.

Visit our Facebook page often?

If you check our Facebook page often then be sure to use the locations tab for a complete list of our donor centers. Please see blue “Donor Centers” tab pictured above. This is just another added convenience for our donors to quickly access the list of Carter BloodCare centers. 

Now that you can efficiently find the nearest donation opportunity, it is time to book your appointment online if you haven’t already done so. Remember, one donation can SAVE three lives. If you prefer to call and make an appointment, contact us at 1-800-366-2834. 

Hope to see you soon and thank YOU for being a part of something great!

May 15, 2013

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by jgayle


Giving Blood

Give Blood in Honor of Mothers

Mothers are always giving of themselves. What better way to honor the mothers in your life than to give blood and save three lives? Give blood at a local blood center or mobile blood drive this Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12.  By donating blood, your community can give the gift of life in honor of the women who gave them theirs.

Carter BloodCare will be out and about this Mother’s Day weekend for your convenience. For those last minute shoppers who are frantically searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, you can drop by and give blood at Collin Creek Mall after you finish shopping. Collin Creek Mall features over 130 specialty shops and eateries including Macy’s, Dillard’s, jcpenney and Sears.

If you want to give blood, look for the mobile blood donation bus in the parking lot on the east side near Sears.  However, the platelet donation center will be inside the mall on the lower level near Sears. Donors are welcome on Saturday, May 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Carter BloodCare is looking for donations of whole blood and platelets. Donors are also welcome to make an appointment for this mobile blood drive location by calling 817-412-5245. Donors with appointments will be taken first. 

Every 90 seconds someone in the Carter BloodCare service area needs blood.

One in three people will need blood at some point in their lives. The life you save with your donation could be your own or the life of someone you love.

Looking for more locations to donate blood this weekend? Check out our website for a mobile blood drive or donor center near you. If you are in the Dallas, Garland or McKinney area, check out the drives below.

Walmart-Forest Lane
Sunday, May 12, 2013
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
9301 Forest Lane
Dallas, TX 75243

Saturn Road Church Of Christ
Sunday, May 12, 2013
4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
3030 Saturn Road
Rooms 141&142
Garland, TX 75041

Brookshire’s McKinney
Saturday, May 11, 2013
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 
208 N. Central
McKinney, TX 75069

We wish all of our wonderful mothers a safe and happy Mother’s Day this weekend!

For more information about blood donations or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-366-2834.

May 10, 2013

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by jgayle


Giving Blood

Why Should I Give Blood?

If you were to go into the hospital tomorrow and the doctor said you needed a blood transfusion, what would your first thought be? Will this be painful? How much will this cost? When can I go back to work? I bet the thought of blood availability didn’t cross your mind. At Carter BloodCare it is our job to encourage blood donations to keep supplies high, so you don’t have to worry when you need a last minute blood transfusion. But, we always need your help! According to America’s Blood Centers, only 37 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood – less than ten percent do annually.  We are working to raise this number, but here are a few among many reasons why YOU should donate blood:

  • A free mini-physical is given at the time of donation, which includes a screening of blood pressure, pulse, and temperature and iron levels.
  • You get free snacks after your blood donation! What American does not LOVE Oreos?
  • The actual drawing of blood only takes ten minutes. That’s a record for saving three lives!
  • Show off your arm wrap to all of your friends and family! Proudly tell them you saved three lives.
  • A family member, friend or community member may be in need of blood one day.
  • 14 tests are performed on each unit of blood donated. 
  • Blood donors can also check their cholesterol level within days following donation.
  • There is no substitute for human blood.
  • You could donate 46.5 gallons if you began at 17 and donate every 56 days until you reach 79 years old!
  • Three gallons of blood is used every minute in the United States.
  • One in three people will need blood at some point in their lives.
  • One in seven patients admitted into a hospital will need a blood transfusion.
  • Every 90 seconds someone in the Carter BloodCare service area needs blood.
  • Carter BloodCare needs to see 1,100 donors a day to meet the need of patients in community hospitals. 

Feeling empowered to schedule a blood donation? Schedule an appointment on our website, or give us a call at 1-800-366-2834. Thanks for being a part of something great! 

What are some reasons you choose to give blood? Tell us below!

May 8, 2013

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by jgayle


Giving Blood

Can I Exercise After Giving Blood?

At Carter BloodCare, all types of people give blood at our various blood centers to save lives. Our donors consist of athletes, dancers, singers, artists, nurses and more. Some of our donors work physical jobs and need to be cautious after donating. We suggest that those with strenuous jobs should donate at the end of their work shift. We have some helpful tips to take into consideration for those of you who hit the gym daily and/or do anything but sit at a desk.

Whether you are a basketball player, construction worker, a physical trainer or just someone who exercises daily, you need to take it easy after giving blood. High-intensity exercise after donation can cause fainting and may increase the risk of excessive bleeding from the area where the needle enters your skin. We highly suggest drinking a lot of fluids and waiting 24 hours after your blood donation to perform physically-strenuous activities. Similar to exercising, giving blood makes you feel great, so treat it as a day to relax and pat yourself on the back! Besides, you just saved three lives, so it’s time to reward yourself with a break!

It is always best to eat a low-fat meal within two to four hours before giving blood and drinking a great deal of water or juice before as well as after donating. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided 12 hours before and after donation.

Also, if you happen to exercise before you give blood, make sure to be well hydrated and eat before your blood donation. Not for sure how to tell if you are hydrated?

Here are some signs of dehydration:

  • Dizziness
  • Dark urine
  • Decreased urine output
  • Dry mouth
  • Tiredness

For tips on staying hydrated, visit the American Heart Association’s website.

For more information about giving blood and your health visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-366-2834.

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May 3, 2013

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by jgayle


Events & News

Carter BloodCare is Searching for Prospective TV Stars!

Have you ever had a chance to be on TV? Always dreamed of becoming a celebrity? Or, maybe you feel that being a celebrity is an unobtainable goal. Push those thoughts aside, because you now have a shining opportunity at becoming a Texas celebrity with Carter BloodCare! Carter BloodCare is looking for a group of enthusiastic fans to be stars in our upcoming TV commercials.

Do YOU have what it takes to be a Carter BloodCare celebrity? If so, then enter our contest now. We are looking for a wide range of participants and strongly encourage anyone with an interest to enter this contest. To be an eligible Carter BloodCare star, you must be able to attend ONE of the following date/times:

Some TV commercials request cast members to sign-up without informing those interested of what the commercial is even for. It could be for a brand of water, or it could be for something really cool like a new Samsung product. It’s a risk, but signing up for a Carter BloodCare commercial isn’t a risk and you know exactly what you are signing up for! You are signing up for a commercial to inform others about giving blood to save lives in our community. How cool is that? You could potentially be a star AND save lives!

Carter BloodCare will be choosing winners daily, so be sure to check your email often, because you just may be selected as the next Carter BloodCare star!

Sign up for a shot at being in our upcoming commercials by visiting, http://bit.ly/YhwW9w.

Good luck and thanks for being apart of something great!

 

May 1, 2013

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by jgayle


Events & News

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is this week and though we are always very thankful for our wonderful volunteers, we want to take the time to say thanks for their ongoing efforts! Carter BloodCare volunteers are lifesavers, and we couldn’t get along without them. You will often find our volunteers working hard around our donor centers, at community blood drives and many of our fun events. Our volunteers are an extension of us as an organization. They selflessly give of their time and resources because they believe in what we do and desire to directly impact the lives of the patients we touch.

“I know I was put on this earth to help others and that is the reason I volunteer for Carter BloodCare and will always represent this fine organization for many more years to come.” –Ruben Escobedo

It’s people like Ruben and many other volunteers who make such a phenomenal difference at Carter BloodCare and the community in which they reside. In honor of fabulous volunteers, check out this video: Carter BloodCare Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Volunteer Opportunities

Thinking about volunteering and want to know what types of volunteer opportunities are available at Carter BloodCare? View the opportunities below and become a member of a lifesaving team: 

  • Blood Drive Coordinator
  • Donor Council Member
  • Telephone Volunteers
  • Refreshment Attendant
  • Speakers Bureau
  • Office Projects
  • Health Fairs
  • Community and Carter BloodCare Events
  • Tour Guides 

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at Carter BloodCare give us a call with any questions that you may have. Call us at 1-800-DONATE-4 for more information. You may also apply to be a volunteer on our website.

Thank you to our volunteers for being a part of something great!

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April 23, 2013

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by jgayle


Events & News

Commit to Giving Blood Often

As most of you have kept up-to-date with us on Facebook and Twitter, you know that our team is hard at work today to help those that were affected in the tragic explosion of the fertilizer plant in West, Texas. Due to an enormous community response, the blood supply needs for area hospitals have been met for today.

Because of blood donors who give often, our blood supply was strong when the need arose. As a result, Carter BloodCare was able to help supply the local hospitals. But, our thoughts continue to be with our Central Texas neighbors, staff and community partners during this difficult time.

Even though the need has been met, blood donations are still encouraged to meet ongoing patient needs. If you visit a donor center and appointments are full, you may be asked to fill out a commitment card such as the one below.

Your commitment is vital to our community because the need for blood will increase during the upcoming summer months. By giving blood year round, donors ensure that Carter BloodCare can continue to meet the needs of community patients. Please remember that giving during a crisis is a good thing. Giving often throughout the year is a great thing! 

For those wanting to give blood, please schedule a future appointment at a donor center nearest you by visiting http://www.carterbloodcare.org/ or by calling 1-800-366-2834. If your organization is interested in hosting a blood drive please email, bookablooddrive@carterbloodcare.org. 

Thanks for being a part of something great!

April 18, 2013

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by jgayle


Events & News

Keep The Nation’s Blood Supply High and Support Boston Marathon Victims

We have all read about the unfortunate Boston Marathon tragedy. It is difficult to hear about something so horrific and feel like you can’t do anything to help. Most of us think there isn’t much we can do to help when we live across the United States. However, us Texans can help in such a big way! Carter BloodCare is partnering with Medical City, The Original Pancake House and Run On! to help victims of terrorism and natural disasters. A blood drive will be held at Medical City Children’s Hospital tomorrow from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We encourage you to come out and donate blood to support Boston victims and to also keep our nation’s blood supply high for future tragedies and disasters. Every donor will have the opportunity to make or sign cards to send to marathon victims, as well as first-responders and doctors who helped and treated victims and survivors.

Fortunately, Boston hospitals had enough blood to treat victims of the Boston Marathon bombings due to citizens donating year-round. The need for new and frequent blood donors is ongoing and growing. Carter BloodCare must see 1,100 donors a day in order to maintain a safe and sufficient blood supply. Medical City, The Original Pancake House, Run On! and Carter BloodCare want to help and fulfill that need and as well as show support for the people of Boston. As a small thank you, all donors will be treated to a free breakfast from The Original Pancake House. Also, in honor of fellow runners injured in the Boston Marathon, RunOn! will hand out coupons.

Don’t forget, all donors who are members of our Great Partners program will obtain points for their donation. If you are a new donor or if you have donated in the past and not currently a member of the Great Partners program, you will automatically be registered to start accumulating points! These points can be redeemed for some pretty cool rewards like T-shirts, blankets, and gift cards to iTunes, Walmart, or Target.

The blood drive will be set up on the first floor of the Atrium of Medical City Children’s Hospital located at 7777 Forest Lane, Dallas, Texas 75230.

For more information about donor eligibility or to make an appointment, call Carter BloodCare at 1-800-366-2834 or visit carterbloodcare.org.

 

April 17, 2013

2 Comments

by jgayle


Giving Blood

Type O Negative Blood

Carter BloodCare is a blood donation center. Carter BloodCare does not prefer certain blood types to others, as all blood donations are crucial.  Do you know your blood type?

Though all donation types are important, O negative blood is a very special blood type. If you are type O negative you can donate your blood to people in need with any other type of blood. People with O negative blood are considered universal blood type donors because there are no A, B or D antigens in their blood cells. Type O negative blood gets used a lot during emergency situations when time is short. 

Carter BloodCare caters to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Type O negative blood can help save trauma patients with A, B and D antigens in their blood cells. Do you have type O negative blood or know someone who does? Help your community members in need and donate blood to Carter BloodCare.

Giving blood is a fast and easy act of kindness. A single blood donation can save three lives. If you have type O negative blood you can help anyone in need of blood donation. Carter BloodCare is always looking for locations to host blood drives. Have you ever considered hosting or volunteering at a blood drive?  Call a Carter BloodCare blood donation center to schedule a blood donation or to inquire about hosting a blood drive today.

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April 16, 2013

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by jgayle