A Central Texas nonprofit says its need for blood donations is growing due to the influx of patients from coastal areas devastated by Hurricane Harvey. We Are Blood, formerly The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas and the sole provider of blood to Central Texas hospitals, said many patients have been transported to hospitals in the 10-county region following the storm. If the organization can build a surplus of blood, We Are Blood said it also plans to send some donations to patients in disaster areas. A release from We Are Blood stated that on average it needs at least 200 donors per day and that number is magnified during natural disasters. The need for blood will stretch into the next few weeks and because blood has a shelf life, replenishing the supply will be vital over the next month. "It’s important to remember that the elevated need for blood will continue well into the next few weeks," Cothran said. "The communities who have been ravaged by Hurricane Harvey have an insurmountable task in front of them. If we can continue to maintain a surplus blood supply locally, we’ll be able to continue to help our brothers and sisters in need." We Are Blood serves over 40 hospitals and medical facilities in the Central Texas area. The entire blood-giving process could take up to one hour. Some feedback over the last few days has reported people experiencing long wait times when going to donate. Interested community members are encouraged to make an appointment online or call 512-206-1266. Walk-ins are also accepted, but appointments are recommended. "Our staff is doing the absolute best they can to get blood donors in and out as quickly as possible, but with so many donors wanting to help, it’s only natural that there is a bit of extra waiting involved," Cothran said. "We are encouraging folks to make a blood donation appointment in advance to lessen their wait. Appointments also help staff maintain a steady flow of blood donations to see us through this time, while also ensuring a sustained effort over the course of the next few weeks." Eligible donors must be:

• At least 17 years old
• Weigh at least 115 pounds
• Be in good health

Donation locations:

Austin 4300 N. Lamar Blvd. 3100 W. Slaughter Lane Round Rock 2132 N. Mays, Ste. 900

Mobile drive locations:

Wed., Aug. 30 Communicare - Kyle 2810 CR 205, Kyle 7:30-10 a.m. https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/50351 City of San Marcos Activity Center 501 E. Hopkins, San Marcos 9 a.m.-3 p.m. https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/49938 Thu., Aug. 31 GTT Communications 1835 Kramer Lane, Austin 2-6 p.m. https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/50347 Fri., Sep. 1: Georgetown Recreation Center 1003 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown 2:30-6:30 p.m. https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/47732 Endeavor Real Estate - Domain 11501 Alterra Parkway, Austin 9-11:30 a.m. https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/50480 The Arboretum 10000 Research Blvd., Austin 2-4:30 p.m. https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/50444 Sat., Sep. 2 St. Mary Catholic Church 301 E. Fourth Street, Taylor 8 a.m.-noon https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/49611 Sun., Sep. 3 Northwest Family YMCA 5807 McNeil Drive, Austin 10 a.m.-2 p.m. https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/50387 Mon., Sep. 4 Joel Simank Memorial Blood Drive 115 South Main Street, Thorndale 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/50450