Do you have 45 minutes to spare to save the life of another person? Blood donors are needed daily throughout South Texas in order to help hospital patients throughout the area. Every three seconds someone needs blood, and one out of every 20 Texans will need blood at some point in their lives. However, less than 5 percent of the eligible donor population gives blood. The need exists for more people to donate blood, and for people to donate more often.

Donation Process
Prospective donors must first complete a health history questionnaire and go through a screening process. During the screening process a technician will take important vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and an iron check. If all the requirements are met, a unit of blood is drawn from the donor.

Who Can Donate & How Often
Anyone 17 years or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good general health may donate. Identification is required before beginning the donation process. An eligible donor may donate whole blood every 8 weeks. Some health conditions or medications may temporarily or permanently prevent persons from donating blood. If you have any question as to whether or not you are eligible please call Donor Services at 731-5555.

What Happens To Your Blood After Donation
You could save as many as three lives with one single donation. Most donated blood is separated into different components: red cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. Red cells are used for surgical patients while plasma is used in treatment of shock and burn patients. Platelets are vital to leukemia and other cancer patients whose own bone marrow does not produce enough platelets to help the blood clot properly.