Community Blood Supply in Need of Type O Negative Blood Donors

SAN ANTONIO/VICTORIA (November 22, 2011) - The community blood supply is in need of blood donors that are type O negative. "With the holiday approaching we have seen the number of donors go down while the blood needs of area hospitals stay consistent. We are requesting eligible donors to make an appointment to visit one of our seven fixed site locations before and after the holiday," states Mary Beth Fisk, President/COO for South Texas Blood & Tissue Center. O negative type blood is transfused to a patient of any blood type in emergency situations. It is critical for the blood supply to be well stocked with all blood types and the current need is O negative.

The busy holiday schedules of businesses, regular donors and schools out on break have an impact in our blood collections. The blood supply is a vital resource for medical facilities and the community’s support is needed before and after the Thanksgiving holiday. Patients rely on these life saving components even during the holiday season.

Anyone 17 years of age or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good general health may donate blood. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental consent and weigh 120 pounds. Proper identification is required before beginning the donation process.

Besides the satisfying feeling of saving lives, all presenting donors earn wellness rewards for free health screenings, a chance to win a quarterly drawing for a Panasonic 60" 3-D Plasma TV courtesy of Bjorn’s and a chance to win a Red McCombs Toyota Tundra in 2012! Please contact STBTC to schedule an appointment at 731-5590. For more information about blood donations, please contact the Center at (210) 731-5555 or visit our website, www.southtexasblood.org.