Fox 2 “Give Let Live” Blood Drive

Fox 2 News and United Blood Services are encouraging you to "Give and Let Live" by becoming a blood donor now. United Blood Services provides blood to a whopping 18 hospitals across the Rio Grande Valley. How does this one organization meet the demands of the 1.3 million people living in the area? Hospitals rely on the United Blood Services team to receive blood for surgery and trauma patients spanning from Brownsville to Rio Grande City. UBS Hospital Services Manager, Marcus Ayala tells Fox 2 News, "Were the department that makes a difference and assures that whenever hospitals need something, they have it on their shelves." Today, UBS has about 150 units of varying blood types for hospitals. One unit of blood is equal to about one pint, which has the potential to save nearly three lives. Blood type O-Negative is currently the highest in demand…and the shortest in supply. Ayala says, "in trauma, O-Negative is the first blood used. Only 2% donate blood, so help make a difference." We have the perfect opportunity for you to help. Fox 2 News has partnered up with United Blood Services to help host a blood drive this Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30 from Noon to 6:00 p.m. inside the JC Penny Courtyard at La Plaza Mall in McAllen. And, the first 50 people will receive one of these awesome t-shirts so be sure to stop by and say hi to the FOX crew while you donate blood.