San Angelo Blood Drives Mark National Blood Donor Month in January

SAN ANGELO, TX — January is National Blood Donor Month, a nationwide observance that celebrates donors and highlights the urgent need for blood donations. 

Winter months often see lower donation rates, making community efforts especially important. Vitalant, the local blood service provider, reports that about 7 million Americans donate blood annually. 

These donations serve as a critical lifeline for patients facing emergencies, surgeries and treatments. One donation can save multiple lives and provide hope to those in need. 

Several blood drives are scheduled soon in San Angelo:

• Shannon Medical Center South Campus
  Wednesday, Jan. 14
  8:30 a.m. – noon and 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  Donors receive two free movie passes.
• Tom Green County (near the courthouse)
  Friday, Jan. 16
  10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Knights of Columbus at St. Mary's Catholic Church
  Saturday, Jan. 17
  9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Donors at these events receive a coupon from Chick-fil-A (Sherwood Way and Knickerbocker Road locations). They also enter automatically for a chance to win one of 26 $500 prepaid gift cards through Vitalant's ongoing promotion. All blood types are essential, but type O remains in the highest demand. It serves as the universal donor type and is the first choice in emergencies. Vitalant encourages appointments to minimize wait times. Schedule online at vitalant.org/donate or call 877-258-4825. For flexible options, visit the permanent Vitalant Donation Center at 2020 W. Beauregard Ave. in San Angelo.