Blood drive set Aug. 23

Give so others may live.

The mobile unit of the Coastal Bend Blood Center (CBBC) will be accepting donations Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Family Center IGA parking lot, 418 S. Alister St.

People may donate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For a limited time, all donors will receive a stadium seat and Whataburger coupon for their donation and will be entered to win a four-pack of tickets to SeaWorld San Antonio.

You may be eligible to donate blood if you are in general good health; are 17 years of age or older; weigh at least 110 pounds; have at least 12.5 gm/dl of hemoglobin; have not 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; do not have a cold or sore throat; are not pregnant; are not under a doctor's care for any serious illness or injury; and are not taking antibiotics for an active infection.

Additionally, some people may be eligible 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.

According to the CBBC, blood donors save lives, and more than four million Americans would die each year if not for blood donors.

In the Coastal Bend, more than 120 people a day must donate blood in order to maintain the supply for the community.

Every three seconds someone needs blood. Every day, hundreds of patients in the Coastal Bend need timely blood transfusions to survive. It's not just the patients that benefit. Individuals, organizations, churches, schools and companies that participate in blood drives receive lasting benefits as well, according to the CBBC.

Donating blood is simple. Your name, address and a photo ID (such as a driver's license) are required. You will be asked questions about your health, medical history, current medications and recent surgeries. These questions ensure you are healthy enough to give blood and that your blood will be safe to give to patients who need it. Next, a phlebotomist will check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and iron level, which requires a quick finger stick. Another phlebotomist will then draw your blood. Brand new, sterile supplies are used for each donation. The actual blood draw takes less than ten minutes. Except for a small needle stick at the start, the process is painless. Once the draw is complete, the needle will be removed and you will be asked to apply pressure to the area and raise your arm for a few minutes. Most donors feel fine after giving blood.

The CBBC provides water, juice and cookies, and have the donor relax a few minutes before leaving. Take a little time to read the post-donation instructions that were written with health and safety in mind.

Donating blood allows you to play a key role in maintaining an adequate blood supply in the Coastal Bend, according to the CBBC.