Carter BloodCare celebrate 12th Annual “H-E-B Challenge”

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STEPHENVILLE (June 17, 2015) – The first corporation in Texas to become a sponsor of large-scale, organization-wide, multi-location blood drives, H-E-B grocery chain, has made blood donation a priority in Central Texas for more than a decade. In 2014, 23 stores hosted blood drives and together collected 577 units of blood with Carter BloodCare. This summer, H-E-B stores will again challenge each other to collect the most blood in a series of onsite blood drives called the “H-E-B Challenge.”

“More than 20 percent of Carter BloodCare’s donations come from high school blood drives, and that number drops significantly during summer months when schools are out,” said Carter BloodCare’s Michelle Stefan, vice president of Corporate and Community Resources. “We really appreciate partners like H-E-B that energize volunteer blood donors, to make blood transfusion possible for patients, at a time when Carter BloodCare needs it more than ever.”

The H-E-B Challenge this year will again take place in Stephenville. H-E-B Stephenville will host a blood drive from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 2 at 2150 W. Washington. For more information or an appointment time, contact Kimberly at (254) 965-7063.

An annual traveling trophy is awarded to the store with the highest ratio of donors versus partners (employees); this helps equal the playing field between small and large stores. There is also a smaller trophy awarded to the store that collects the most units of blood. The Carter BloodCare Central Texas staff hosts an ice cream social for the H-E-B employees of the two winning stores. Lampasas H-E-B is the reigning 2014 champion with highest percentage of donors (44 percent participation). Lampasas H-E-B and Stephenville H-E-B tied for the greatest number of pints donated in 2014: each had 42 units donated.

Historically, H-E-B stores participating in the H-E-B Challenge have hosted 229 drives since the Challenge began 12 years ago. More than 4,000 units have been collected, which translates to more than 12,000 lives saved.

Potential blood donors may volunteer beginning at age 16 with parental consent; 17-year-olds may give independently and there is no upper age limit for giving blood. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well on the day of donation and present a government-issued photo ID each time they give blood. It’s also a good idea to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water before giving blood. For more information on donor eligibility and to make an appointment, call 1-800-366-2834 or visit carterbloodcare.org.

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About Carter BloodCare

Carter BloodCare is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that operates on behalf of patients in 50-plus Texas counties. With volunteer blood donors, Carter BloodCare is the primary provider of blood and transfusion services to nearly 200 hospitals and healthcare facilities in north, central and east Texas. The blood center is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, accredited by AABB and is a member of America’s Blood Centers.

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About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $18 billion, operates more than 337 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 105th anniversary in 2010. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 76,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities.

 

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