January is “Blood Donation Awareness Month"

January is “Blood Donation Awareness Month” and it serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for donations.

According to the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Whether it’s for surgery, trauma recovery, or patients with chronic conditions like leukemia, blood donations play a vital role in saving lives.

“Blood Donation Awareness Month” is a time to reflect on the importance of contributing to this life-saving cause, especially as blood supplies often dip during the winter months.

Joby Stortz of South Texas Blood and Tissue said the need for blood in Lavaca County is critical.

“Blood gives life,” Stortz said. “Blood is used to save and enhance lives through the healing power of human cells and tissue. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of cancer and transplant patients, trauma victims, newborns and moms, and other patients in hospitals and clinics in your community. It’s about supply and demand. We have a daily need of around 600 units of blood per day here in South Texas. Traumatic events always remind us of why it’s important to maintain a strong blood inventory level. Every unit counts, and it’s all our responsibilities to ensure that blood is available for any patient in need.”

Blood banks around the country face seasonal challenges during the cooler months of the year. Bad weather and illnesses like the flu can keep regular donors at home, which leads to critical shortages. Winter blood donations can decrease by up to 20%, making January one of the most urgent times for donations according to the Red Cross.

There are numerous ways to get involved. Blood drives are held regularly throughout the month and many local hospitals and clinics welcome walk-in donors. To donate, individuals must be at least 17 years old, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds or higher.

Some schools and churches in Lavaca County are hosting blood drives.

The following dates and locations in the county are as follows:

• Yoakum High School: Today from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. located at 100 Poth Street in Yoakum

• Shiner High School: Friday, Jan. 24 from noon to 5 p.m. located at 510 County Road 348 in Shiner.

• Shiner First National Bank: Thursday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. located at 103 West 7th Street in Shiner

• Hallettsville St. Peter Lutheran Church: Sunday, Feb. 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. located at 100 North Promenade in Hallettsville.

• Hallettsville High School: Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. located at 200 North Ridge in Hallettsville.

• Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic High School: Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. located at 312 S Texana in Hallettsville.

• Boedeker Plastics: Thursday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. located at 904 West 6th Street in Shiner.

• Shiner St. Paul Catholic High School: Monday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at 424 St. Ludmila in Shiner.

Stortz gave some helpful advice to first time donors.

“Start preparing a day or two before,” Stortz said. “Make sure you have a photo I.D. and wear loose comfortable clothes. Eat iron rich meals the day before and morning of your donation. Drink plenty of water, and get a good night’s sleep. Bring a friend for encouragement and to share the experience. Don’t get yourself too worked up. Much of the process is just questions. The ‘scary’ part is just a little pinch and, before you know it, you’re done! Your donation has the potential to help three local patients.”

Stortz also gave a rundown on what one can expect when giving blood.

“When you arrive to give blood, you will be asked to show a picture ID,” Stortz said. “You’ll fill out a history questionnaire and we’ll check your pulse, temperature, blood pressure and iron levels. If you pass the screening, a donor care specialist will guide you to a donor bed. They will swab your arm inside the elbow and insert a sterile needle into a vein. About a pint of blood is drawn (for a whole blood donation) and a bandage is put on your arm.”

After donations, a few simple precautions may help you avoid any complications.

They include:

• Have a snack and something to drink.

• Rest about ten to 15 minutes after donating.

• Avoid smoking for at least 30 minutes after donating.

• Increase your fluid intake for the next 24 to 48 hours after donating. However, avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

• Avoid lifting more than you are accustomed to and avoid strenuous activities for the next six hours after donation.

• Eat well and do not skip meals.

• Leave the bandage on your arm for at least four hours after donating.

This January, as we celebrate “Blood Donation Awareness Month,” remember that your decision to donate could be the one that saves a life.