Blood drives coming to Bosque County in May, June

Carter BloodCare’s mobile unit will be stopping in and around Bosque County in May and June to collect blood donations.

The mobile unit will be set up for the Lake Whitney community drive on Tuesday, May 28, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

On Monday, June 17, the mobile unit will be located at PETOL Gearench from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and at Texas New Mexico Power from 2 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The collection will continue on Tuesday, June 18, at Goodall-Witcher Healthcare from 8 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The blood care service noted that it is in critical need of O-; it’s in urgent need of A- and B- blood types. It has a stable supply of O+, A+, A-, B+, AB+, and AB- blood types.

This month, Carter BloodCare urges all eligible donors to help cancer patients and those in need of transfusions by donating blood and platelets.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early detection, research and support.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and it's also one of the most preventable.

Wearing sun protection either in the form of clothing or broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and seeking shade when outdoors is the first line of defense. Knowing your moles is another line of defense and how to spot a change in your skin helps in early detection. Most skin cancers are highly treatable.

Texas-based Carter BloodCare notes 25 percent of the community blood supply is used to help people receiving cancer treatments. Cancer surgery can require red blood cells and platelets to replenish blood loss and support clotting. Chemotherapy can also lead to low blood-cell counts.

Donors can begin giving blood at age 16 with parental consent; those 17 and older can donate independently. Also, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and feel well on the day of donation.

To find a Carter BloodCare location and to set a convenient time to donate, click the red Donate Now tab at CarterBloodCare.org or call (800) 366-2834.

About Carter

Carter BloodCare is an independent, community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 200 medical facilities in 50-plus counties of North, Central and East Texas.