Laughlin hosts blood drive July 25

  • Published
  • By Rachael Stewart
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin is set up to host its quarterly blood drive July 25 at Fellowship Hall in the Base Chapel from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

Those interested in donating blood are encouraged to eat two hours before arriving and avoid caffeine. Donors should be at least 17 years of age, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good health. All donors should also bring a list of all current medications.
Blood collection takes approximately 20 minutes, while the whole process, including paper work and a minor physical, takes about 45 minutes. Donors are able to contribute every eight weeks or 56 days. 

South Texas Blood and Tissue Center conducts multiple blood drives every day through out the Southwest Texas region, collecting approximately 600 units a day. This covers more than 100 hospitals and clinics in 43 different counties. 

"It is important to donate," said Roger Ruiz, a specialist at STBTC. "Three lives can be saved with only one donation. You are not only affecting one person, you're affecting their entire family. Give the gift of life." 

According to bloodntissue.org, statistics show that every three seconds a person needs blood, one out of 10 people entering a hospital will need blood, and one out of 20 Texans will require blood sometime during their life. Sixty percent of the United States population is suitable to donate blood, but only five percent actually donate.