Vacation Time Means Blood Donation Time

“School’s Out, School’s Out, Teachers let the ‘students’ out…”

However you say that rhyme, it spells the beginning of the summer vacation season for trips, treatments and trauma. That may sound pessimistic, but there is something we can all do before leaving the driveway: donate blood.

Blood banks have yet to recover from the turbulent COVID-19 times. History proves that the need for blood, especially Type

O, during the summer months increases exponentially, i.e., a lot.

The Silver Sage “Great Room” is the site for the May 21 Bandera County blood drive from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Every donor will receive a $10 HEB gift card as well as earn points toward your choice from hundreds of other gift cards.

It is easy to sign up via the website or by telephone. Walk ins are welcomed. To schedule, call South Texas Blood & Tissue Center at 210-731-5590 or southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/132003.

There will be an American Legion Post 157 representative greeting all donors and ensuring they are processed as quickly as possible. Donors can complete their history questionnaire on line to save time also. For those who are unable to do so prior to the drive, it will be done in person upon arrival. Most donors spend an hour on site.

As always, be sure to be well hydrated and have eaten prior to your scheduled time. Donors from age 16 (with parental permission and meeting weight minimums) to higher ages of wisdom (no limit) are welcome.

Parents can complete permission forms online or at the drive. Donors are carefully screened, and iron levels are taken to ensure safety.

Medical technology allows for many more people to qualify, so do not assume that you cannot give based on your medical history or medications. You can call the same number, 210-751-5590 if you have any questions.

Routine donors must wait 56 days before donating again. The “double donors” require 86 days before donating again.

Blood donation is healthy for our body because it makes our blood less viscose which will help in combating cardiovascular and other diseases. 38% of the population all over the world is capable of donating blood; however, less than 10% do so. A reminder from Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

Susan Junker is the Commander of American Legion Post 157.