East Texas

During the summer, blood donations and supplies typically drop, said Laura Little, public relations coordinator for Carter BloodCare Stewart Center.

To maximize donations, the center uses equipment that can remove a selected blood component and return the rest of the blood to the donor. This allows collection of all three blood components — red cells, platelets and/or plasma — from a single donation and helps the center meet needs of hospitals, she said.

Donors are encouraged to contact Carter BloodCare at 1-800-DONATE-4 or visit carterbloodcare.org.