Two local non-profits partner for community awareness for National Blood Donor Month

SAN ANTONIO (January 1, 2008) – Throughout the month of January, blood centers and blood transfusion recipients across the country recognize and thank blood donors through the annual celebration of National Blood Donor Month.

Locally, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center and the San Antonio Red Cross Chapter, will partner in an effort to engage both volunteer groups to donate life. Both organizations are in a busy period of trying to recruit and educate volunteers in San Antonio. This collaboration of efforts will help raise awareness to the on-going need of generous donors. Community members wanting to make a difference this year are asked to make a resolution in 2008 to become a volunteer within their community.

It is through the commitment of regular volunteer blood donors that blood centers across the nation are able to meet hospital needs. “The San Antonio area has committed donors willing to share their time, health, expertise and good will throughout our South Texas communities and for this we thank them,” states Dr. Norman D. Kalmin, President/CEO and Medical Director of South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. “This partnership with the local Red Cross Chapter provides the opportunity for volunteers to learn more about another non-profit servicing our community. “

“Assuring the nation’s blood supply is part of our national mission and we are proud to partner with South Texas Blood and Tissue Center to promote the need for blood donors.” says Michael L. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of San Antonio Area Chapter. “We have over 1,300 volunteers that we call on when help is needed and their willingness to give is immeasurable. We’re sure their example will encourage others to do what is needed to help the community.”

South Texas Blood & Tissue Center must collect at least five hundred units of blood to provide to over 100 hospitals and clinics in the South Texas area. Blood is made available at healthcare facilities to not only treat patients who have experienced a severe trauma, but also those suffering from chronic diseases that require weekly or monthly blood transfusions.

The American Red Cross, San Antonio Chapter is hosting a blood drive on January 21, 2008, from 10 am to 3 pm at 3642 E. Houston Street.

This blood drive is being supported by San Antonio Human Resource Management Association (SAHRMA). SAHRMA is a collective voice of human resource professionals in South Central Texas and is the leader of choice in advancing the human resources profession in the communities we serve.

To be eligible to donate blood you must be 17 years of age, at least 110 pounds and in general good health. For more information about becoming a blood donor or to find a community blood center near you, please visit www.southtexasblood.org or www.saredcross.org