2017 Spring Blood Drive

Here are some recommended guidelines for anyone who is interested in giving blood:

• You must weigh at least 110 lbs. and be 17 years of age.
• If 16 years old, the weight requirement is 120 lbs. and parental consent is required.
• Eat an iron-rich meal prior to giving blood.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of fluid 1-2 days before you donate. This helps make your veins more visible and helps you feel more energized after giving blood.
• Avoid aspirin and other blood thinning medications for 2 days prior to donation.
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

If you would like to donate, please visit SouthTexasBlood.org or call (800) 292-5534 for information on upcoming South Texas Blood and Tissue Center blood drives. If you live outside of the South Texas Region, you can contact your local American Red Cross. South Texas Blood and Tissue Center’s goal is to have an adequate supply of blood for 67 hospitals in 43 South Texas counties.

Remember, giving blood is very important. Donating blood saves lives and the only way to collect blood is through donations from willful donors. Blood is perishable and there is no other substitute.