Blood Drive City-Wide: A&M International, City of Laredo, South Texas Blood & Tissue Center Join for Response to Tragedy

The City of Laredo and Texas A&M International University have joined forces with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center to present a city-wide blood drive in response to yesterday's tragedy.

The Drive will occur Monday, September 17 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the Kinesiology-Convocation Building (Gym) on the A&M International campus.

Given the growing magnitude of Tuesday's tragedies, the nation's blood reserves are dangerously low and there is a nationwide push for blood donations. Blood and Tissue Center officials indicate there is an urgent need for all negative blood types, especially O-negative blood.

Because Center officials expect that many Laredoans will want to assist the effort, wait periods may be longer than usual, but the Center assures that all possible donors will be assisted.

In order to facilitate donation, potential donors should: bring a picture ID, be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. In addition, they must not have donated blood in the past eight weeks.

Factors that may prevent donation include: exposure to contagious disease, recent surgery, transfusion or pregnancy, miscarriage or abortion in previous six weeks. Individuals who are currently receiving antibiotics, have skin piercings or tattoos, insulin dependent diabetes, a history of cancer, AIDS or hepatitis will be subject to exclusion.

It is suggested that donors refrain from taking aspirin for three days prior to donation. Those on high blood pressure medication for three or more years and having blood pressure within the acceptable range should be able to donate.

A free shuttle for potential blood donors will be provided by the City of Laredo.

The schedule is as follows: Pickup: Laredo Civic Center (north side, next to ballroom) and El Metro Park and Ride Facility (on Hillside) with drop off at the A&M International campus. The services will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. Buses will pick up potential donors every hour on the hour from the twosites mentioned above.

For additional blood donor shuttle information contact the City of Laredo Public Information Office at 791-7461.

For additional information, please contact the City of Laredo at 795.2314 or the University's Office of Student Health Services at 326.2272.

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