United Blood Services in San Angelo said today that while the area is coming out of a critical appeal for all blood types, there is still a serious shortage and blood drives are being held throughout the area, one of which will be held Friday, August 19th at Brookshire’s Food Store in Brownwood from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.  There is just over a one-day supply of blood for local hospitals, including Brownwood Regional Medical Center, according to UBS officials.

Those who donate blood at the Brookshire’s Food Store blood drive will receive a special blood donor t-shirt, a Regal Cinema Movie Pass, an entry into a drawing for a pair of tickets to see the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans play on Thursday, September 1st, a free cholesterol check and Hero Points.

Current forecasting continues to project a shortfall through the rest of this summer throughout the country.  While UBS is currently meeting patient needs, there is a real possibility that patient care could be compromised by this shortage.  Typically, UBS counts on other blood centers to help; however, this critical need is occurring throughout the country.  Patients in need tomorrow are relying on blood donors today to make sure blood is available for both critical and ongoing needs.

Reserves of blood are depleted to just over a one-day supply on the shelves.  Since it takes 24 to 36 hours to test and process each donation before it can be released for a patient, blood is being transfused as fast as United Blood Services can provide it to hospitals.  Donors of all types are urgently needed to give blood now.

Appointments are highly recommended.  To schedule a blood donation online, go to www.bloodhero.com or call United Blood Services at 877-UBS-HERO (877-827-4376).