United Blood Services today announces the continuation of an urgent appeal for O Negative blood donations.  As stewards of the lifesaving community blood supply, we immediately need the help of the Concho Valley.  We should have 67 pints of O negative on our shelves but only have 4 pints!
O Negative blood type is a critical element of the blood supply.  Trauma patients are frequently transfused with this blood type as there is generally not enough time to perform a blood type test.  If there were a major accident, we would not have enough blood on the shelf.  O negative only occurs in about 6% of the population.

“Our blood drive schedule is very light during the summer because colleges and high schools (which provide about 25% of blood donated) are on summer break, and employers who sponsor blood drives have been short-staffed because of vacations,” said Linda Grace, Senior Donor Recruitment Rep of United Blood Services, this area’s non-profit community blood provider.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16  must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

“We encourage people to donate blood this week, to take advantage of the opportunity to give a gift that will make a real difference in someone’s life. The priceless gift of life costs nothing but about an hour of your time,”  Grace said.

Mobile blood drives this week:

Wednesday, June 18th

Shannon Medical Center   120 E. Harris  2nd Floor Legacy Room           9am – 6.30pm

Donors get choice of 2 Movie Passes or $10 Starbucks or Gift Shop Gift Certificate

Thursday, June 19th

Jim Bass Ford   4032 Houston Harte Fwy                           2.30pm – 5.30pm

Blood drive in support of Katy Murray – for every 4 pints of blood donated, Katy’s medical account will be credited for 1

To schedule an appointment at one of these mobile blood drives or in the donation center, - located at 2020 W. Beauregard in San Angelo, please

Call United Blood Services at 223-7500.

Hours of Operation:  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday   Noon – 5.30pn m

                         Wednesday and Friday           8am – 1.30pm

                         Saturday                               9am – 1.30pm

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