The Bandera American Legion Post 157 held a blood drive in conjunction with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center on Saturday, May 11, in Lakehills.
The legion is sponsoring a series of blood drives throughout the rest of the year at the Silver Sage Community Center and the Lakehills Community Center.
Blood is the single most important resource that is needed daily to help sustain life and treat injuries. The need for blood peaks around holidays.
“I am a regular donor because I am O-positive [auniversal donor]. It is my way to give back to the community,” said Donor Jerry Greene.
Jerry waited patiently to give at the Lakehills Community Center on Saturday. Carlos Lopez also was in line to donate at the drive.
South Texas Blood and Tissue Center phlebotomists Brittany and Laverne noted that the donors had been coming in a steady stream all morning.
There were eight donors in the first hour of the drive, all of whom arrived on time and ready to go.
Donor Martin Kibby related, “I give blood every chance that I can. I have done this all my life. I felt it was important.”
As he rested during his donation, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center workers checked his lines and made sure he was comfortable.
Red blood cells are viable for transfusions up to 42 days. Donated platelets are good for seven days, and plasma can be frozen for up to three years.
Most donations are used well before their expiration date as the United States has a shortage at most times.
While manning the sign-in table, American Legion Rider Jim Bunch said, “I like to be involved in the community. It’s one of the many things that we are involved in. Blood is always in high demand.”
Bunch noted that the donors had all arrived and that they had even taken several walk-ins.
One of the biggest challenges according to Bunch is those who make appointments to donate and then do not show up. He was glad to see everyone on time for their donations.
Texas American Legion Riders chapters have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes, severely wounded servicemembers and scholarships.
Donating blood is a relatively quick task. The actual donation of a pint of blood takes between 8 and 10 minutes.
After donating, snacks and drinks are provided to help with a rest and recovery period which usually takes 10-15 minutes.
The whole process takes just under an hour. After the donation, donors can go back to daily activities.
The American Legion will be sponsoring blood drives at the Silver Sage on Saturday, June 29; Saturday, August 10; Saturday, October 12; and Saturday, December 14. At the Lakehills Community Center, the drives will be held on Saturday, July 14; Saturday, September 14; and Saturday, November 16.
For more information on giving blood, contact the STBTC at 210-7315590 or go to SouthTexas-Blood.org.
