Don’t forget - the 2nd quarter San Saba County/Scott & White blood drive will be held this Thursday, July 10th, at the San Saba Middle School Gym from 1-7pm.

If you’ve never given blood before, here is the process in 5 easy steps:

1.Registration: We’ll gather some of your basic information - such as your mailing address, phone number, date of birth and social security number - for our records. All information is kept strictly confidential and stays with the Blood Center records only. Each donor will need a picture ID.

2. Mini Physical: We’ll check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and your iron to make certain you are feeling your best before you donate.

3. Interview: We’ll ask you some medical and travel history questions to make sure the donation process will be safe for you as well as for the receiving patients.

4. Donate blood: The shortest stretch of the process, the actual donation only takes an average of 5-10 minutes.

5. Eat snacks and get free stuff: After donating, you will sit in the refreshment area and enjoy a free snack. We’ll also give you a free donor t-shirt, a free hand squeezie, and the chance to win the monthly grand prize drawing.

Many have asked, “Why do you check me for iron?” Iron is a mineral which is essential for humans. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin. If not enough iron is available, hemoglobin production is limited, which in turn affects the production of red blood cells. A decrease in the normal amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream is known as anemia. To donate blood at the San Saba County/Scott & White blood drive, your hematocrit must be at least 38%. If you fall below this level, you are not necessarily anemic. We want your levels to be higher than 38% to ensure you will not become anemic by donating blood.

Did you know? -

• Approximately 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood but only 5% actually does.

• Nearly 400 units of blood must be available each week to meet the needs of Central Texas patients.

• Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

• Blood can’t be made artificially; it can only be given by healthy people like you.

• Each blood donation can touch the lives of up to two patients.

• The need for blood is constant.

• Red cells are usable for only 42 days.

• The average adult body has between 10-12 pints of blood.

• After one pint is donated, the body replaces the red blood cells within 56 days.

Once again, here are the eligibility guidelines:

A picture I.D. is required: Please bring a form of photo identification such as a driver’s license or employee badge.

Age: 17 and older

Weight: A minimum of 110 pounds

Eating: Please eat a good meal BEFORE donating

Drinking: Drink lots of water or juice before and after donating. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages for 12 hours before and after donating.

Frequency: You can give blood every 56 days.

If you have any questions, please contact Marsha Hardy at 372-8570.