Forty seven donors came to the 25 News studios to save many lives across Central Texas.
25 News held the third annual KXXV Cares Blood Drive to collect blood donations for those in the Central Texas area.
During the nine hour drive, 47 donors took time out of their day to donate. Carter Blood Care says the drive made it possible for 106 people to enjoy their next special moment in life.
Last year, 25 News collected 25 pints of blood. This year, we collected almost 40!
January is National Blood Donor Month, and the need for blood donors has never been greater. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
If you've been hesitant to donate blood, you should know that donating has never been easier.
Carter Bloodcare now offers "QuickScreen," an online donor questionnaire that lets donors review materials and answer questions on their own electronic devices.
"QuickScreen" is available online. You can also download the app for iOS or Android.
To donate, donors must present a valid state, school or other form of government ID.
Donors must also be at least 16-years-old and in good general health. Written parental consent is required for all 16-year-old's in order to donate. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and should drink lots of water or juice before and after donating.
Carter Bloodcare also says to avoid alcohol for 12 hours before and after donating. Donors will also want to avoid strenuous activity, and lifting and pulling with the arm used, for 24 hours.
Mike McCoy of Carter Bloodcare says people are eligible to donate even if they've had a flu shot that day. He says donors can give every 56 days, while people who give "double reds" can give every 112 days.
McCoy said people who have lived in northern Europe or Great Britain for a long period of time might not be able to give blood due to the risk of Mad Cow Disease.
