SAN ANGELO, TX –– As blood donations declined over the holiday season, the entire county is experiencing a national blood shortage.
Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells and 7,000 units of platelets are needed every single day in the U.S.
To put the numbers in perspective, a single-car accident victim may need up to 100 pints of blood to survive. Millions of people including cancer patients, organ recipients, and victims of accidents rely on blood donations.
The most requested blood type by hospitals is type O Negative as it can be transfused to patients of all blood types –– meaning it’s always in great demand and in very short supply. Approximately only 7 percent of people in the U.S. are type O Negative.
To help combat the local shortage, Vitalant will be hosting two blood drives in the coming days.
Friday, January 7th | Concho Valley Community Action Agency
- Bloodmobile next to Mesquite Bean Café Cactus Hotel from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 8th | Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
- Best Buy Parking Lot from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Donors on Saturday will receive Chick Fil A Coupons and t-shirt courtesy of Richard Hartgrove Insurance
Donating blood is a simple, safe process. Donors just need to register, take a mini-medical history test, donate, and then accept free refreshments like water, juice, granola bars, snacks, etc. A single donation from a single patient can help more than one person.
Blood donors only need to be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be healthy. Donors between the ages of 16 – 22 will need to meet additional height and weight requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must present a minor donor permit signed by a parent or guardian – go to www.vitalant.org to find the form.
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