Celebrate National Blood Donor Month by Donating Platelets

Victoria donor room will start collecting platelets January 4th

VICTORIA, Tx – January is National Blood Donor Month and the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC) has a new way for Victoria residents to celebrate giving the gift of life. Beginning Jan. 4, Crossroads residents can donate platelets and save lives at the STBTC Victoria Donor Room at 1109 Sam Houston Dr., Victoria, TX.
 
Platelets are a vital component of blood, helping to control bleeding. Cancer patients and hemophiliacs are just a few examples of people who might need platelet transfusions to help save their lives. Platelets also have a shelf life of only five days, making the need for platelet donors greater.

“Victoria donors have been asking when they could start donating platelets,” said Ron Chavez, director of the Victoria Donor Room. “We are excited to bring this technology to our area and allow Victoria residents to help the South Texas community in another way.”

The process is conducted on an automated machine which separates the blood, collects the platelets and returns the other components to the donor in a closed system draw. The process takes approximately two hours to complete and donors get to watch a movie during their donation. Platelet donors are encouraged to donate every two weeks or as many as 24 times a year. The donor’s height, weight and iron count are factors that help technicians decide who is eligible to donate platelets.

If you would like to donate platelets, please call 361-576-3651 ext. 2918 to schedule an appointment.

For more information contact:
Monica Mendez, Community Relations Specialist
800-292-5534 Ext.1368
Cell: 210-296-9026
Monica.Mendez@bloodntissue.org

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