West Texas VA holds community blood drive July 18 in Big Spring
PRESS RELEASE
July 12, 2023
Big Spring , TX — West Texas VA Health Care System is partnering with Vitalant to host a community blood drive on July 18, 2023, at the George H. O'Brien VA Medical Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bloodmobile next to the flagpole.
This is part of a nationwide effort by VA medical centers to respond to the ongoing national summer blood shortage. Healthy individuals are encouraged to Roll Up Your Sleeve Today and register by phone or online for an appointment. The event is open to the public and details are on the events page on the West Texas VA website.
“This event represents the ongoing commitment to our Veterans and the VA’s ‘fourth mission’ to back up the country’s health care systems in times of emergency,” said Keith Bass, West Texas VA’s new Medical Center Director. “We are also preparing to be better able to support Veterans who may need blood or blood products in the near term.”
According to federal guidance, blood donors may access VA medical centers and blood donor agencies to participate in this lifesaving activity.
“We encourage all our community partners, our local residents, visitors, and our Veterans to roll up their sleeves and give blood,” said Moses Tijerina, West Texas VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement Chief. “Together we will show that in West Texas, in this community, in this family, we stand together and support each other.”
For information on blood donation and donor eligibility visit vitalant.org.
West Texas VA HCS provides Veterans with health care services at six locations serving west Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Our facilities include the George H. O’Brien Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring and four community-based outpatient clinics in Abilene, Fort Stockton, San Angelo, and Odessa, Texas, and one in Hobbs, New Mexico. Find a VA health facility near you and manage your health online.
Kat Bailey, VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network Chief Communications Officer
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