Don’t believe the myths about blood donation: Carter BloodCare goes behind the scenes with legendary summer campaign
The nonprofit organization – one of the largest blood programs in Texas – is calling on a trio of legendary figures to dispel common myths and raise awareness of the urgent need for blood donors.
In a series of comedic public service announcements, paranormal performers – including a vampire, a fairy and Bigfoot – compete for spokesperson spots with the blood center. The cryptic cryptid auditions are overseen by Carter BloodCare’s legendary resident hematologist, Dr. Chupacabras.
The blood donation campaign – “Don’t believe the myths. Be a legend.” – begins airing this week on TV and radio stations across North, Central and East Texas. The spots also can be seen online at CarterBloodCare.org.
The lighthearted PSAs have a serious goal: using humor to shed light on myths that can discourage Texans from donating much-needed blood.
These myth-understandings range from tattoos, piercings, dental visits, weight gain, fasting and vegan diets to availability of blood types, donation times and emergency needs.
In truth, donated blood is always in demand and often in short supply, especially in the summer. Blood donors help people injured in serious auto accidents, children fighting cancer, mothers experiencing difficult childbirths, organ transplant recipients, older adults with age-related health issues, and many others.
It takes only an hour to donate blood to save local lives. Eligible donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and can donate with Carter BloodCare starting at age 16 with parental consent; those 17 and older may donate independently.
Donation locations and self-scheduling are available by visiting CarterBloodCare.org o
About Carter BloodCare
Carter BloodCare is an independent, community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 200 medical facilities in 57 counties of North, Central and East Texas. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is one of the largest blood programs in Texas, delivering more than 440,000 blood products annually to meet hospitals’ requirements for their patients. Services include collection, processing, specialized laboratory testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood products.
I am a lifelong blood donor, now just two donations away from qualifying for the Blood Donor Hall of Fame. I had no idea such a thing even existed until about five gallons of donations ago – who knew?
I am a strong advocate for blood donations and awareness. Along the way, I even donate squeeze balls to the facilities where I give. I am not seeking recognition or accolades; I simply do what I can: donate regularly, encouraging others to do the same, and saving a life each time I roll up my sleeve.
Strangely enough, Amazon once vetoed a review of mine for those very squeeze balls because I mentioned I give them to blood donation centers. Evidently, someone’s algorithm – or mindset – was influenced by a blood donation myth.
Over the years, people have noticed the scar in the crook of my left elbow and have asked about it. I simply tell them, “I have earned it from hundreds of blood donations.” Their usual reactions, often with a squirm and frown: “Ooooo! I HATE needles!” My fixed reply: “Perfect! You are exactly the type of person who needs to donate.”
Because fear and inconvenience are real, I ask a simple paradigm-shifting question: “Assuming you medically qualify, if your child or loved one needed your blood, would you donate?” I have never heard a “no.”
So why wait? Go save a life today—donate blood.