AUSTIN, Texas — We Are Blood is in urgent need of Type O blood donations, as well as platelet donations.
"Holidays can stress our Central Texas community’s blood supply and we’ve seen a significant drop in donations and mobile blood drives hosted this first week of 2024," said Nick Canedo, vice president of community engagement at We Are Blood. "We are asking the community to help neighbors in need and make an appointment at one of our four centers or a mobile drive."
We Are Blood said though January is National Blood Donor Month, it is typically a challenging time of year for the blood bank. However, donations are still needed.
According to We Are Blood, one blood donation can save three lives and make a difference for cancer patients, neonatal patients, trauma patients and more.
To try to entice donors to stop by, We Are Blood is running a couple of giveaways in January. If you donate by Jan. 14, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win two tickets to a private Franklin Barbecue dinner on Feb. 10. If you donate between Jan. 15 and Jan. 13, you'll receive a voucher for one small sub from Thundercloud Subs. And if you contribute two platelet donations in January, you will receive a $30 gas card.
If you're interested in donating, you can schedule an appointment at any of We Are Blood's four donor centers or at a mobile drive, either online or by calling 512-206-1266.
Below are addresses and hours of operation for We Are Blood's four donor centers:
- North Lamar
- 4300 N. Lamar Blvd.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- South Austin
- 3100 W. Slaughter Lane
- Wednesday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Monday, Tuesday and Saturday
- Round Rock
- 2132 N. Mays, Suite 900
- Monday, Tuesday and Friday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
- Cedar Park
- 251 N. Bell Blvd. Suite 111A
- Monday, Thursday and Friday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday
We Are Blood is the sole provider and protector of blood to more than 50 hospitals and medical facilities in Central Texas.