Local blood bank encourages donations for World Blood Donor Day

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio resident Krystal Sanchez was an avid blood donor at the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC) for years, encouraging friends and family to donate blood and even helping coordinate her company’s blood drives.

But she when had an emergency cesarean section earlier this year, her situation changed drastically. Following the procedure, Sanchez experienced abnormally low blood counts and required two blood transfusions.

“I was so weak that I couldn’t even hold my baby,” she said. “After the transfusions, I felt so much better. I was able to get out of bed and had the energy to carry and feed my baby.”

Sanchez continues to promote the cause of blood donation by telling her story and encouraging those around her to donate blood regularly.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet less than 10 percent of the population eligible to donate blood does so every year.

STBTC is seeking all eligible donors to give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day on Sunday, June 14, and throughout the summer to help ensure there is an adequate blood supply for patients in need.

The World Health Organization created World Blood Donor Day to highlight the constant need for donors both during the summer and throughout the year. This year’s “Thank you for saving my life” campaign especially resonates with Sanchez.

“I never thought I would become a patient who would need a blood transfusion,” she said. “I encourage everyone to go out and donate when they can because you never know when you will need blood.”

In honor of World Blood Donor Day, STBTC will issue limited-edition Nexcare “give” bandages to all presenting donors from June 14-20.

And though all blood donations are needed, it is especially important for people with O positive, the most common blood type, and O negative blood, the universal blood type, to donate as frequently as they can. Visit a blood drive near you to donate.

Eagle Pass:

R Communications Group
Saturday, June 20; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mall de las Aguilas

Donors must present identification. Anyone who is 16 years old and weighs at least 120 pounds (with parental consent form), or 17 years old and weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good general health may donate blood. All donors receive refreshments and a mini-physical, and are encouraged to eat before and after donation. Learn more about blood donation at www.southtexasblood.org.