The month of January is recognized as National Blood Donor Awareness Month. This is a nationwide initiative to celebrate and recognize blood donors. National Blood Donor Awareness Month has taken place each January since 1970. Donating blood saves many lives and improves the health for many people. A decision to donate blood can save a life, so this week I would like to discuss how to donate blood.
According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can potentially save up to three lives. Furthermore, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. The blood supply is necessary for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Each donation is essential for the lifesaving care that can be provided. Currently, the American Red Cross is experiencing one of the worst blood supply shortages due to the Covid-19 pandemic so blood donations are incredibly important.
A way to donate in the Coastal Bend is through the Coastal Bend Blood Center, which was established in 1969. The services the center provides include donor recruiting, community education, drawing, processing and distribution. The Blood Center provides services to 19 medical facilities in the 10- county service area of Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio. The Blood Center offers opportunities to donate blood throughout the service area seven days a week with bloodmobiles. In order to donate blood at the Blood Center you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 lbs. ( 115lbs. if 17 years of age), be in general good health, and have an I.D. at the time of the donation.
To learn more please visit the Coastal Bend Blood Center. In addition to this, you can visit the American Red Cross to learn more about the statistics.
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. As always, 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 Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
