Lubbock United Blood Services is asking the community to donate blood to help overcome shortages that are common this time of year.
The Cogdell Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is hosting a blood drive at Colonial Hill Baptist Church’s Family Life Center from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. To schedule an appointment, call 797-6804.
Senior Recruitment Manager Brandon Baker, with United Blood Services’ South Central Division, said there is always a shortage of blood at this time of year.
“Unfortunately, around the holidays, blood shortages are common,” he said. “With people focused on other things, blood donations are not in the forefront of peoples’ minds. There is often an increased usage of blood during this time.”
Baker said all blood types are needed, but that O blood type is always in short supply because it is the universal blood type.
Cogdell Memorial Hospital Auxiliary president Linda Williams said they usually host four blood drives a year.
“The auxiliary feels this is one of the most important services because the need for blood increases especially around the holiday season,” Williams said. “We feel it’s an important service for our community.”
Both Baker and Williams said people wishing to donate blood should prepare by eating foods rich in iron and staying hydrated before their visit.
Williams said she has served as a volunteer at the blood drives for five years.
“We appreciate any and all donors,” Williams said. “Walk-ins are welcome too.”
Area blood drives are also scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ira ISD library on Dec. 12, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 29 on the United Supermarkets parking lot and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Snyder High School student center on Jan. 12.
“We encourage people to donate blood at least three times per year,” Baker said. “When you donate blood, you truly are being a hero to someone in need. In the West Texas area, our hospitals use around 130 pints of blood every single day. Volunteer blood donors are the only way that blood is available for hospital patients.”
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