Temps may be rising across the Lone Star State, but some businesses are still feeling the chill from February’s big winter storm.
Blood banks have especially been hit hard. They are trying to make up for that week when folks stayed home and couldn’t donate blood and platelets.
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center relies on 500 donations a day. That covers the 48 counties which use the blood in hospitals and medical clinics. Since February’s storm, numbers are down by about 50 to 100 fewer donations a day.
Ron White has been donating since he was a teenager and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He’s one of three men who were honored for donating nearly 400 gallons of blood over their lifetime.
“The first time I donated, I was 17,” said White.
He’s 76 years old now, and knows the exact amount he’s donated.
“131 gallons and 5 pints. I’m O positive, which is a universal donor. I can donate to almost anyone,” said White.
White said he knows it’s helping people in need. It’s hard for him to not get emotional when he thinks of all the lives he’s saved.
“I’ve met a few of the people I’ve donated for. We couldn’t even talk, we just hugged. I’ve got some outstanding hugs,” said White.
Asley Frolick, with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, said they’re in desperate need of donations.
“We really want our supply to be at a nice seven-day level. Right now, our supply of Os which is used in emergencies is less than a day,” said Frolick.
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