2022 blood drives address emergency status

“It’s déjà vu all over again”, a “Yogiism” from Baseball Hall of Famer, Yogi Berra, star New York Yankee, played in 21 World Series and took home 13 rings.

Unfortunately, this “Yogiism” fits the current emergency in our blood supply. The latest pandemic announcements and pronouncements, makes it “déjà vu all over again” for blood donation.The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center declared an emergency, especially for blood type O, most commonly used for transfusions due to an accident or illness.

January is National Blood Donor month, a perfect time to help with this emergency.

The Bandera County monthly blood drives, coordinated by the Bandera American Legion Post 157 since August 2020, have been set for 2022. The next opportunity is at Silver Sage Community Center on January 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All donors will receive a coupon for a pint of HEB Creamy Creations ice cream and a free T-shirt in addition to their points for use on hundreds of gift cards.

Social distancing will be enforced, with adequate spacing provided between donor stations. All staff and donors are required to wear face coverings such as a mask. Temperature checks will be in effect at the event as well.

Sign up for the drive by calling 210-731-5555 or online donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/132555

For more information, contact Susan at 210-788-9160.

There is another form of blood donation that can help twice as many people as whole blood donation called

“Double Red Blood Cell”. During the donation process, the whole blood goes through a machine that separates the red blood cells from the other blood components including (platelets, plasma, and white blood cells).

These blood components are then returned to the donor. Because parts of the blood are returned to the donor during the process, most donors experience minimal side effects. Red blood cells are also the most needed component of the blood for hospitals and clinics.

In 2021, over 50 Bandera County heroes donated this way. Again, Bandera County “GOAT (Greatest of All Time) heroes provided over 60 of these blood donations.

Future drives include: February 19, April 9, June 11 at Lakehills Community Center; and March 26, April 9, and May 21 at Silver Sage Community Center.