AUSTIN, Texas — As Central Texans head into the holidays this week, Austin’s blood center is asking for the public’s help to make sure it has enough donations to save lives.
We Are Blood is the only provider of donations to hospitals around Central Texas.
Every December, it sees donations dip as people go on vacation or get busy with the holidays. At the same time, demand spikes.
Nick Canedo, vice president of community engagement at We Are Blood, said the need is hitting record levels this year.
“We’ve been seeing year-over-year growth in blood transfusion need in our community – population growth, new hospitals being built, new hospital programs being offered to the community. But this month, especially, we’ve seen a huge spike,” said Canedo. “I think it is a lot of accidents, surgeries and traumas happening ahead of the holiday season.”
We Are Blood is offering a free Alamo Drafthouse movie ticket to anyone who donates through Tuesday, Christmas Eve.
“We also have a campaign that starts after Christmas through New Year’s Eve, and that’s where we’re partnering with all area local YMCA, where they’re hosting blood drives,” said Canedo. “Throughout the holiday season, we’ll be hosting blood drives at malls, so anyone who’s doing last-minute shopping will be able to come by, make a donation and help a local patient.”
Canedo said the entire donation process takes about 45 minutes from check-in to checkout, with the patient in bed donating for only about 15 minutes.
For anyone interested in donating:
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must weigh at least 115 pounds
- Every blood type needed, but especially O type
- Visit any of We Are Blood’s four donation centers in Central Texas or a mobile drive
- Appointments encouraged but walk-ins accepted
- Full schedule at weareblood.org