January Is National Blood Donor Month

We are all getting into gear for the new year, and that means getting back to our good habits and routines, specifically that help our community. One way to really help out and save lives is to donate blood.

January is National Blood Donor Month, so what better time to help replenish the blood that is so desperately needed by West Texas hospitals.

I spoke with Brandon Baker, regional donor recruitment manager for United Blood Services here in Lubbock. He said January is National Blood Donor Month because they usually need blood badly after donations fall off drastically in December leading up to the holidays. But this year due to the blizzard, faithful donors in Lubbock weren't even able to make it out to donate.

Baker said that West Texas hospitals, including Lubbock, Midland, San Angelo and surrounding towns, use 130 pints of blood each day. He also said that all blood types are needed, but especially the negative types. The blood type in demand always is O negative because it is the universal blood type that can be given to anyone.

If someone is brought into an emergency room and cannot give their blood type, they are given Type O negative.

It's easy to schedule an appointment online or by phone by calling (806) 797-6804 or (877) UBS-HERO (827-4376).  You can also go online the day of your donation and fill out your donor history which will save significant time when you go in to donate. Donation is relatively painless and doesn't take much time at all and literally could save a life or lives.

To donate blood, you must be in good health and be feeling well, be at least 17 years of age. (You can be 16 years old, but must have signed parental consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds.)

Check out the United Blood Services website for how often you can donate whole blood, platelets, plasma or double red cells.

United Blood Services in Lubbock is located at 2523 48th St.