Health care
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
We Are Blood continues to urge blood donations, following a “critical shortage” reported earlier this year. The blood bank provides donations to every hospital within the area it serves, including Williamson, Travis and Hays counties. Representatives say one donation could save up to three lives and takes less than one hour. “We are calling on generous O-type donors to help us rebuild and meet the needs of local patients at area hospitals,” Nick Canedo, vice president of community engagement at WAB, said in an April release. As of late 2023, members of the LGBTQ+ community can donate; the gender of a donor and their sexual partners is no longer a consideration for donor eligibility. Residents urged to donate blood
How it works
On arrival, potential donors will sign in at the front desk and be asked to read information about the process. After that, they will complete a survey regarding medical and travel history. The donor will receive a mini-physical, including checking temperature, blood pressure, pulse and red blood cell percentage. A phlebotomist will then lead them into the donation room. Those interested can schedule an appointment online for any of the four Austin-area locations or mobile drives held across all the counties it serves. O cials said donors should drink plenty of water the night before and bring photo identi cation. Anyone with questions can call 512-206-1108 or email whocandonate@weareblood.org.
Austin-area residents can make a life-saving impact by donating O-type blood amid a current shortage.
COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Donors must be in good health, be at least 17 years old weigh at least 115 pounds for whole blood donations or 110 pounds for platelet donations
SOURCE: WE ARE BLOOD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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