LifeShare Blood Center reminds us about the importance of donating blood.

Just before World Blood Donor Day, June 14, the worst mass shooting in U.S. history demonstrates the importance of a stable community blood supply in response to disasters. While a call went out to immediately replenish the blood supply in the Orlando area, blood donated by people more than a day in advance of the tragedy was necessary to sustain life during medical treatment.

“We are deeply saddened and our sympathy goes out to those affected. The tragedy is a harsh reminder of the importance of blood donors that give in advance of the need. It takes more than 100 blood donors every day to provide blood in this community for daily patient needs and to be prepared for disasters. We welcome and are grateful for all blood donors, and encourage anyone eligible to donate on a regular basis,” says Tina Hooper, spokesperson for LifeShare Blood Centers.

The first 24 to 48 hours after blood is donated, it is put through several tests and processed prior to being available for patient use. Approximately 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. With only six percent being blood donors, shortages in blood supply occur periodically.

If you can, be sure and donate blood today by visiting LifeShare Blood Center at 1321 College Drive in Texarkana or by donating at one of their blood drives listed below.

Friday June 17, 2016
Christus St. Michael Health and Fitness
204 North Williams Street
Atlanta, Texas
8AM – 12:30PM

Friday June 17, 2016
Walmart
Highway 59
Atlanta, Texas
2– 5PM

Monday June 20, 2016
Wake Village Cuffs & Hoses
501 Redwater Road
Wake Village, Texas 75501
Noon – 4:30PM

Thursday June 23, 2016
Guardline
1001 Progress Drive
Atlanta, Texas
8:30 – 11:30AM

Thursday June 23, 2016
SmithTex Travel Center
207 West Main
Atlanta, Texas
1 – 3PM

Thursday June 23, 2016
Christus St. Michael Hospital – Atlanta, Texas
1007 South Williams
Atlanta, Texas
1– 6PM

Friday June 24, 2016
New Boston Cuffs and Hoses
301 East Front Street
New Boston, Texas
9AM – 1PM

Friday June 24, 2016
Walmart
800 James Bowie Drive
New Boston, TX
2 – 6PM

Sunday June 26, 2016
First Baptist Church New Boston
506 McCoy Boulevard South
New Boston, Texas
Noon – 4PM

Monday June 27, 2016
E-Z Mart Offices
602 West Falvey
Texarkana, Texas
8AM – 1PM

Thursday June 30, 2016
Arkansas Department of Community Corrections
305 East 5th Street
Texarkana, Arkansas
8AM – Noon

Thursday June 30, 2016
AHEC – Downtown location
300 E. 6th Street
Texarkana, Arkansas
1:30 – 4:30PM

Friday July 1, 2016
CIMA Hospice and Jordon Health Service
3505 Summerhill Road
Suite 4
Texarkana, Texas
11AM – 3PM

More From Eagle 106.3