BY SARA ESCOBAR
Evening Star

A blood drive was held by Carter BloodCare in Harker Heights last Friday, January 6. The drive took place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside City Hall. Based out of Texas, Carter BloodCare is one of the largest blood centers in the state. According to their official website, an impressive 300,000 units of lifesaving blood products is provided for patients every year. The non-profit organization offers various services such as collection, processing and distribution to more than 200 medical facilities in over 50 counties throughout Texas.
Joseph Moliz was one of the first donors to arrive at the blood drive. “I’ve donated blood too many times to count,” says Moliz, who is the Director of Planning and Development. “I donate every time they come to the area. I know that by donating, I’m saving lives, and that’s why it’s important to me,”
One of the phlebotomists assisting at the blood drive, Judy Sanchez, says the urge to help others was a driving force in her career. “I’ve been with Carter BloodCare for six years. The outreach we provide for people in need is staggering and it’s the most important aspect of my job,”
Clint McCoy is a recruiter for Carter BloodCare and has helped organize the blood drives in the area for the last five years. “We’re here pretty frequently, about once a week. We actually provide 100% of the blood supply for Seton and Metroplex hospital,” says McCoy. He also stresses the need for more people to donate blood. “There’s always a need for blood, but this year’s usage was higher than expected. During the holidays, the number of people coming out to donate decreases. We really want to encourage qualifying donors to come out to one of our many blood drives to help out,”
To donate blood, you must be 16 years of age or older, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. During a typical blood drive, one unit, or approximately one pint of blood, is taken. The procedure takes minimal time, only about 10 minutes, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 12 hours after giving blood. The average person has between 10 and 12 pints of blood in their body, and the blood volume lost in donation is replaced within two to three days. In just two months, the body will have replaced all of the red blood cells lost as well.
Carter BloodCare will be returning to Harker Heights on January 14 for another blood drive. The drive will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the U.S. Air Force Recruitment Center located at 201 E Central Texas Expressway.
For more information on donating blood, visit carterbloodcare.org.