Blood Donation Day: Students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio Roll Up Their Sleeves for a Cause (Note: The title was crafted to capture attention and convey the essence of the article more effectively.)

September 5, 2025

Students and Staff Answer the Call: Blood Drive a Success at Texas A&M-San Antonio

Andres Hauss, a representative from South Texas Blood & Tissue, assists students Kailey Smith and Valerie Guerra during the blood drive held on August 28, 2025. Photo by Elyssa Quesada.

San Antonio, TX – A steady stream of Texas A&M University-San Antonio students and staff members participated in a recent blood donation drive hosted by South Texas Blood & Tissue on August 28, 2025. The event, strategically located in parking lot 2 near the auditorium, aimed to replenish local blood supplies and assist individuals in need of transfusions.

The Critical Need for Blood Donations

Potential donors underwent a brief health screening with medical professionals to determine their eligibility before proceeding with the donation process. Andres hauss, affiliated with South Texas Blood & Tissue, emphasized that O negative blood type is currently in notably high demand. This is because O negative is considered the universal donor, meaning it can be safely administered to patients of all blood types.

According to the Mayo Clinic, consistent blood donation can have health benefits for donors, including monitoring iron levels. The American Red Cross reports that approximately 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood each year, but continued donations are vital to meet ongoing needs.

Incentives and Upcoming Opportunities

Those who generously donated blood were rewarded with a complimentary movie ticket to any Santikos theater and refreshments post-donation.South Texas Blood & Tissue will return to the A&M-San Antonio campus on September 24, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.,for a health and wellness fair.

Donors at the September event will recieve a Target gift card as a token of thankfulness. The blood drive is open to the public, welcoming participation from anyone nonetheless of their affiliation with the University.

Seraphim Grant, a senior education major, expressed her motivation for donating, stating, “Somebody needs it!” Photo by Parker Foreman.

Donation Process and Technology

The event showcased the use of advanced technology like the ALYX machine, which enables donors to donate twice the amount of blood in a single session compared to conventional methods. This innovative technology separates and returns red blood cells, plasma, and platelets to the donor with saline, maximizing the impact of each donation.

Numerous students expressed a commitment to contributing to this vital cause. Melanie Trujillo, a marketing and business junior, who has been donating blood since the age of 16, shared, “If a single blood donation can save three lives then it’s for a good cause.”

Blood Type	Percentage of US Population	Can Donate To
O Positive	38%	O Positive, A positive, B Positive, AB Positive
O Negative	7%	All Blood Types
A Positive	34%	A Positive, AB Positive
A Negative	6%	A Negative, AB Negative

Did You Know? One pint of blood can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross.

Pro Tip: Staying hydrated and eating iron-rich foods before donating can help ensure a smooth and accomplished donation process.

The Ongoing Importance of Blood Donation

The need for blood is constant, driven by everyday emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, and chronic illnesses. Maintaining a stable blood supply relies heavily on volunteer donors. Regular donations are crucial, as blood has a limited shelf life. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days,while platelets must be used within five to seven days.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blood Donation

• What are the eligibility requirements for donating blood? Generally, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.
• how long does a blood donation appointment take? The entire process, including registration, screening, donation, and refreshments, typically takes about an hour.
• Is blood donation safe? Yes, blood donation is a safe procedure.Sterile, disposable equipment is used for each donor, eliminating the risk of infection.
• What blood type is most needed? While all blood types are needed, O negative is often in high demand due to its universal donor status.
• Can I donate blood if I have tattoos or piercings? Generally,yes,but there might potentially be a waiting period depending on the state and the facility where the tattoo or piercing was performed.
• What should I do after donating blood? Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.

Are you inspired to donate? What motivates you to give blood?

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What specific blood components are collected in a platelet donation, and why are these components crucial for patients?

Blood Donation Day: Students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio Roll Up Their Sleeves for a Cause

A Surge of Generosity on Campus

On September 5th, 2025, Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA) witnessed a remarkable display of community spirit as students, faculty, and staff participated in a campus-wide blood drive. Organized in partnership with the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, the event aimed to replenish local blood banks and address the ongoing need for blood donations in the San Antonio metropolitan area. The initiative highlighted the crucial role students play in supporting public health and demonstrating civic engagement.

Why Blood Donation Matters: Understanding the Need

The demand for blood is constant. Accidents, surgeries, chronic illnesses, and even childbirth require important blood transfusions. Unfortunately, blood supply often struggles to keep pace with demand, especially during peak seasons and emergencies. Here’s a breakdown of why consistent blood donations are vital:

Trauma Cases: Major accidents often necessitate large volumes of blood for life-saving interventions.

Surgical Procedures: Many surgeries, from routine to complex, require blood transfusions to manage blood loss.

Chronic Illnesses: Patients battling conditions like cancer, anemia, and bleeding disorders rely on regular blood transfusions as part of their treatment.

Maintaining Blood Bank Inventory: A stable blood supply is essential for hospitals to be prepared for unforeseen events.

A&M-SA’s Commitment to Community Health

A&M-SA has a long-standing tradition of community involvement. This blood donation day wasn’t a standalone event; it’s part of a broader university commitment to service learning and civic responsibility. The Student Government Association (SGA) played a pivotal role in promoting the drive and encouraging student participation.

Event logistics and Participation

The blood drive was held in the University Event Center, providing a spacious and comfortable surroundings for donors. The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center brought a mobile donation unit equipped to handle a high volume of donations.

Registration: Students and staff pre-registered online to streamline the process and minimize wait times. Walk-ins were also accepted.

Health Screening: Before donating, each participant underwent a brief health screening to ensure they met the eligibility requirements. This included checking vital signs like blood pressure (as highlighted by the Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410) and hemoglobin levels.

Donation Process: The actual blood donation process takes approximately 8-10 minutes.

Post-Donation Care: Donors were provided with refreshments and encouraged to rest for a short period after donating.

Who Can Donate Blood? Eligibility Requirements

While many people are eligible to donate, certain criteria must be met to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Common eligibility requirements include:

1. Being at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in some states).
2. Weighing at least 110 pounds.
3. Being in good general health.
4. Meeting specific hemoglobin level requirements.
5. Not having certain medical conditions or taking certain medications.

Potential donors were encouraged to visit the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center website (https://www.southtexasblood.org/) for a complete list of eligibility requirements.

the Impact of a Single Donation

One single blood donation can save up to three lives. This powerful statistic underscores the profound impact each donor can have on the community.The A&M-SA blood drive aimed to collect over 150 units of blood, potentially impacting hundreds of lives.

Types of Blood Donations

Ther are several types of blood donations individuals can make:

Whole Blood: The most common type of donation, involving the collection of all blood components.

Platelet Donation: Specifically collects platelets, essential for blood clotting.

Plasma Donation: Focuses on collecting plasma, the liquid portion of blood used in various medical treatments.

Double Red Cell Donation: Collects a concentrated amount of red blood cells.

Encouraging Continued Donations: beyond Blood Donation Day

The success of the A&M-SA blood drive serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing blood donation. Individuals are encouraged to make blood donation a regular habit.The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center offers numerous donation opportunities