‘Our blood supply needs you more than ever': City of Lakeway to host community blood drive May 16

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, life-saving blood donations are more critical than ever, and Lakeway residents will have the opportunity to donate May 16 from 8 a.m.-noon at the Lakeway Community Blood Drive.

The recurring event made possible by We Are Blood will take place at the Lakeway Activity Center. In light of social distancing, increased safety precautions will be put in place.

We Are Blood, along with other blood donation centers, has been deemed an essential health care service, which is exempt from the shelter-in-place order issued by Travis County, according to the organization.

“Multiple enhancements to the process have been implemented to comply with disinfecting, physical distancing and other health guidelines,” a press release from the city of Lakeway states.

All donors are required to wear face masks, utilize provided hand sanitizer and schedule appointments in advance to avoid overcrowding. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing [email protected].

Donation beds, interview booths, squeeze balls and other surfaces will also be disinfected between each donor’s use.

According to We Are Blood, health screening will occur prior to donation, and any prospective donor who is feeling ill should not attend the event.

As always, donors are required to be in generally good health, weigh at least 115 pounds or more and should be at least 17 years old. Photo identification will be required prior to donating.

Prospective donors are encouraged to keep an eye out for updates from Lakeway or We Are Blood given the uncertainties of the pandemic. Any changes to the scheduled event will be communicated with the community.

“Our local blood supply is a precious resource that is at risk during the current health crisis,” according to the release. “Please consider donating to maintain adequate levels for those who continue to be in need.”