University Organizes Blood Drive to Help Extended Community Members

The importance of an adequate blood supply has taken on personal relevance for students and employees at Texas A&M International University, and encouraging them to participate in a Blood Drive on campus Thursday, March 1.

The Blood Drive will be underway from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the Killam Library breezeway and will be conducted by The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center.

Mary Trevino, associate vice president for student services, said that while next Thursday's Blood Drive is part of a State-wide push to bolster blood supplies prior to Spring Break, University donors will also be able to help members of the extended A&M International community.

"Two people special to our University, Ernesto Gonzalez Jr., brother of A&M International student Amparo Gonzalez, and Mrs. Dora S. Sanchez, mother of our director of financial aid, Araceli Rangel, are both

receiving medical care which requires blood transfusions," Trevino said.

Trevino said representatives from the Blood and Tissue Center have cautioned that little or no blood is available as the drive begins and are hopeful that donors will help to boost blood supplies considerably. Blood Bank officials said that over 400 daily donations are needed in order to meet the demands of patients in hospitals in South Texas alone.

According to the representatives, the donation process takes about 30 minutes, yet every three seconds someone needs blood, and one out of every 20 Texans will need blood at some point in their lives. Sadly, less than 5 percent of the eligible donor population gives blood.

Trevino said that Donors at the University Drive will be provided with a Golden Corral Gift Certificate in appreciation for their participation.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Health Services at 326.2235.

University hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu