The Coastal Bend Blood Center was formed in 1969 to centralize blood donation efforts in the South Texas area, as well as for Port Aransas, Aransas Pass and Corpus Christi communities. Since its formation, it has involved over 35,000 volunteers per year, which is crucial since over 150 people per day are needed to donate blood to meet the needs in South Texas. The Blood Center often places its mobile centers at different areas such as high schools, churches, and hospitals. Individuals who want to donate blood can visit the Blood Center on 209 North Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas during normal business hours. While many of the donation activities occur in Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, the Coastal Bend Blood Center actually serves ten counties in South Texas, which includes over half a million residents. Bloodmobiles operate seven days a week to ensure that hospital and patient needs are met in this large geographical area.
While opportunities for blood donation are available and welcome throughout the year, there is currently a critical need for type O+ blood and B+ blood. Right now, blood type O- is running low too, which is known as the universal donor. O- blood can be given to people of all blood types and is critical in emergencies before the patient’s blood type is known and with newborns that need blood. The general qualifications for blood donation include: be 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a pulse range between 50-100, have not donated whole blood in the last 8 weeks, have normal blood pressure, pulse and temperature, do not have a cold or sore throat, are not pregnant, and are not taking antibiotics for an active infection. Also, with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, if you have been diagnosed with or suspected to have COVID-19, please do not attempt to donate for at least 14 days. If you have a specific question regarding your eligibility, please call 800.299.4943 or email Coastal Bend Blood Center.
I want to continue to bring awareness to the many great organizations in our Coastal Bend such as the Coastal Bend Blood Center. About 1 in 7 people need blood when entering a hospital, so we can truly benefit from these types of worthwhile organizations by doing our part to raise awareness and try and participate in blood donations.
You can find more information about ways to help by donating blood as well as gain additional information about the Coastal Bend Blood Center and what it does as an organization by visiting their website at Coastal Bend Blood Center.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
