It’s ‘National Blood Donor Month’

In honor of National Blood Donor Month, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is celebrating the donations lifesavers make.

Carmen Davila, vice president of corporate communications at the center, told the Victoria Advocate South Texas' blood donors help area cancer and trauma patients, as well as people affected by Hurricane Sandy. "They are living examples of what it means to be a hero," Davila said.

The center is kicking off the New Year by giving people who donate during January and February a Spurs T-shirt and a chance to win a pair of Spurs tickets. Donors must show identification before beginning the donation process. Anyone 16 years old and weighing 120 pounds with a parental consent form or anyone 17 years or older who weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good general health may donate blood.

The center has served the South Texas community's blood and tissue needs for more than 35 years. It serves more than 100 hospitals in 43 South Texas counties.

For more information, call 800-292-5534 or visit southtexasblood.org.