LifeShare says blood donations of all types needed

LifeShare Blood Center needs blood donors. Because the holiday season is a busy time for everyone, blood donations traditionally drop off this time of year but the need for blood doesn’t.

“November and December are always hard for us,” said Theresa Westbrook, center manager. “We were down last month. We’re not too bad so far this month but a lot of centers in our company are really struggling. Any donors right now would really help us.”

Donors can receive a T-shirt or a pair of socks that say “I gave somebody another Christmas.” Every blood type is needed. Plasma can be donated every 28 days, platelets every two weeks and red cells every 56 days.

“We always take a person’s vital signs and make sure it’s healthy for them to donate because we’re not in the business of harm. We’re in the business of saving lives,” Westbrook said.

Donating blood usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, including the interview.

It’s an important way to give back to the community and ensure blood will be on hospital shelves when it’s needed.

“The real truth is it does give somebody another Christmas or another birthday. Without people donating blood, it won’t be there and lives won’t be saved. Blood is one thing we can’t manufacture. It’s one way to give a gift, a true gift without expecting anything back. It doesn’t cost you anything but time,” Westbrook said.

Walk-in are welcome but people can also schedule a time to give blood by calling LifeShare at 903-793-3173. LifeShare is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.