Blood Drive in Texarkana — Please Give the Gift of Life

In honor of Veterans Day, Lifeshare Blood Centers of Texarkana will host a blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 8AM to 4PM. Blood donors will receive a patriotic t-shirt. and special gifts will also be given to donors.

All blood donors will receive a special card indicating they gave blood in honor of someone who has or is currently serving in our military. The donor can add a personal message of thanks, and LifeShare will have it delivered to a veteran. Donors will also enjoy Firehouse Sub sandwiches.

“Blood donors tend to be a very patriotic group. Many have served our country themselves. On Veterans Day, anyone can show their patriotic pride while helping keep our country strong by contributing to the area’s blood supply,” says Karen Siefert, spokesperson for LifeShare Blood Centers.

About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives. Every donation has the potential to save someone’s life.

LifeShare Blood Centers regularly supplies blood components to 117 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La. in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.

Did you also know that it is good for you to donate blood? You can think of it like changing the oil in your car, its always good to get some of the old blood out that might have too much iron and other minerals in it that can build up and cause health issues. After blood donation, testing and processing takes a minimum of 24 hours before the blood is available for patient use. Donations of all blood types are needed for constant replenishing.

The blood drive will be held at LifeShare Blood Centers, 1321 College Drive, Texarkana, Texas. For more information, go to www.lifeshare.org or call 903-794-3173.