Port Aransas South Jetty

Give the gift of life

Today, Thursday, Dec. 20, you can help save a life, or two or three, at the mobile unit of the Coastal Bend Blood Center (CBBC). The unit will be accepting blood at the Family Center IGA parking lot, 418 S. Alister St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A single blood donation could save as many as three lives, said a spokesman for CBBC.

Donors will receive a t-shirt, holiday ornament and a Whataburger coupon. Donors also may enter for a chance to win an oil change from Minit Man valued at $31.95.

Donors must be in general good health; 17 years of age or older; weigh at least 110 pounds; have at least 12.5 gm/dl of hemoglobin; not have donated whole blood in the last eight weeks, or double red blood cells in the last 16 weeks; have normal pulse, temperature and blood pressure or medically controlled high blood pressure; not have a cold or sore throat; not be pregnant; not under a doctor's care for any serious illness or injury and not taking antibiotics for an active infection.

Some people who have diabetes controlled by medication; are taking common anti-depressants or birth control pills; or who have had a tattoo or piercing at a state licensed facility still may be eligible to donate.

Requirements include providing name, address and a photo ID (such as a driver's license) and answering questions about health, medical history, current medications and recent surgeries. These questions ensure donors are healthy enough to give blood and that blood will be safe to give to patients who need it. The actual blood draw takes less than ten minutes.