What happened
We Are Blood issued a call to arms in a news release, noting that one donation could save up to three lives and takes less than one hour.
“Coming off of spring break and South by Southwest, an increase of patient transfusion needs across Central Texas has caused a shortage in our community’s blood supply,” Nick Canedo, vice president of community engagement at WRB, said in the release. “We are calling on generous O-type donors to help us rebuild and meet the needs of local patients at area hospitals.”
How it works
Upon arrival, potential donors will sign in at the front desk and be asked to read information about the blood donation process.
After that, they will complete a survey in a private room regarding their medical and travel history.
The donor will receive a mini-physical, including checking temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hematocrit, or red blood cell percentage.
A phlebotomist will then lead them into the donation room to begin the blood draw.
As of late 2023, members of the LGBTQ+ community can donate; the gender of a donor and their sexual partners will no longer be a consideration for donor eligibility, according to We Are Blood. More information about donation parameters can be found on the website.
Other eligibility criteria include that the donor must:
- Be in good health
- At least 17 years old
- Weigh at least 115 pounds for whole blood donations or 110 pounds for platelet donations
Those interested in donating can schedule an appointment online for any of the four Austin-area locations or mobile drives, which are held in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Gillespie, Hays, Llano, Travis and Williamson counties.
Officials said donors should drink plenty of water the night before and bring photo identification to their appointments.
Anyone with questions can call 512-206-1108 or email [email protected] for more information.
